This week is dedicated to raising awareness of a very real problem- suicide. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2006 suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the US. It was the 3rd leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 24. Those are some very frightening statistics. Experts believe that there are recognizable signs for people in crisis, and that prompt recognition of these signs may prevent some suicides.
Risk factors for suicide include the following:
Depression or other mental disorders
Substance abuse disorder, such as alcohol abuse and/or drug abuse
Family history of suicide
Prior attempt
Family history of abuse, such as sexual or physical abuse
Incarceration, or threat of incarceration
Firearms readily available in the home
Family history of mental illness, substance abuse
There are signs that you should watch for if a friend or loved one suffers from depression. You should be vigilant if they:
Are always talking about death/dying
Have lost interest in the things they once cared about
Put their “affairs in order” (i.e. write a will)
Visit or call people to say goodbye
Engage in risky behaviour that could result in death (i.e. driving recklessly)
Suddenly seem happy or content if they have been feeling very depressed
Make comments like “You would be better off if I wasn’t here”, “I can’t take it anymore”, “I want out”
Talk openly about committing suicide
Experience a worsening of depressive symptoms (sleeping all the time or inability to sleep, loss of appetite, pervasive feelings of sadness)
If a friend or loved one exhibits worrisome signs that cause you to feel as if they may be suicidal, there are things you can do. First of all, you should stay with the person. Take their comments or threats seriously, and don’t try to humour them. It is unlikely that you will be able to talk them out of it, so don’t try to. Avoid saying “You have so much to live for”- people who are suicidal don’t believe they do, and these kinds of statements are not helpful. Ask them outright if they have a plan. If they do, you should get help immediately, preferably from a mental health professional. If there is no immediate access to a mental health professional, take them to the nearest emergency room. Most importantly, do not leave the person alone and offer them non-judgemental support.
Related Links:
Zoloft Might Be Best in Tough Economy from Health Guru
Suicide Prevention from the National Institute of Mental Health
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
