Mental health of men and women affected during the COVID-19 pandemic in the tolimense population

As a result of the Pandemic generated by the appearance of COVID-19, a clear affectation has emerged in the behavior of people at an emotional level due to the characteristics of the virus, self-care protocols and the risk of losing one’s life. In this context, the objective of the present study was to identify if there were significant differences in affective vulnerability, hopelessness and suicide risk in men and women from Tolima department (Colombia). The method was based on a self-selection sample of voluntary participants, in the five municipalities of the department of Tolima (Colombia). With the highest suicide rate; statistically validated tests were used, such as the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale (PSRS); Positive and Negative Suicidal Ideation – (PANSI); the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BDI) and the Sociodemographic Data Collection Sheet and contextual variables with the following factors: Conflicts with a partner or ex-partner, economic problems, physical, psychological or sexual, school/educational abuse, illness of chronic painful or disabling type, death of a family member or friend, work problems, legal problems and suicide of a family member or friend. In this order of ideas, SPSS software was obtained for data analysis. It was found that the affectation for men and women was similar due to the modification in their lifestyles, coping strategies and cognitions.