Suicide in covid-19 times: Possibilities of understanding in the light of Heideggerian ontology

Abstract

The purpose of this theoretical study is to understand suicide in times of a pandemic, based on Heidegger’s ontology. The sufferings experienced in a scenario like that of COVID-19 announce that the suicidal risk can be increased in the face of a pandemic’s emotional impact. Heidegger’s ontology, based on living and boredom, allows us to reflect on the historical horizon of our existence today. One of the possible reflections in the face of the reality that COVID-19 announced to us was the threat to the illusion of our control over life. For many, this finding generates pain, accentuates existing helplessness, and can reveal the absence of meaning for living. It is vital to research the subject and help design strategies that bring us closer to the population’s suffering in a pandemic and after it.