Connectedness in the time of COVID-19: Reddit as a source of support for coping with suicidal thinking

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is adversely impacting suicidality at a population level, with consequences resulting from a variety of pandemic-driven disruptions, including social activities and connectedness. This paper uses a single case study design to explore how members of the Reddit r /COVID19_support community create a sense of connectedness among those who have suicidal thoughts due to the pandemic. Data were gathered from posts to the r/COVID19_support subreddit forum from February 2020 through December 2020. The second step of Klonsky and May's (2015) Three-Step Theory (3ST) of suicide, connectedness as a key protective factor, was used as the theoretical framework. This study explored r/COVID19_support's constructed environment, users' dialogical interactions, and the four primary tenets of connectedness as proposed by Klonsky and May – Purpose and Meaning, Relationships, Religiosity, and Employment. Findings demonstrate a deep sense of connectedness for online community members. Relationships and Purpose and Meaning featured as the most salient sources of connectedness within this subreddit, whereas Religiosity was rarely discussed, and Employment was often spoken of in negative terms (i.e., creating mental distress, rather than facilitating connectedness). Contributors' responses offered various opportunities for connectedness both on- and off-line. Safe online spaces, such as r/COVID19_support, can serve as a protective factor amid suicidality, facilitating connectedness, and thereby helping to curtail suicidal thoughts from advancing to suicidal actions. This subreddit and similar online spaces can benefit specific populations who may otherwise find it challenging to access services or who wish to remain anonymous.