Depression & Suicide
Depression
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Only half of all Americans experiencing an episode of major depression receive treatment. Depression—even the most severe cases—is treatable. Effective management and treatment of depression usually involves counseling/therapy with a licensed practitioner, medication, or some combination of both. If you believe you may be struggling with depression, we encourage you to talk with your primary care practitioner (PCP) about your symptoms and to get guidance on appropriate next steps.
What is Depression?
More than feeling sad or blue from time to time
A common, yet serious, medical condition of the brain that not only affects thoughts, feelings, and mood but also behaviors and physical health
Is not caused by one reason but is a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors
Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom; some people experience only a few symptoms, while some may experience many
Untreated depression leads to serious impairment in functioning or even suicide
1 out of 10 teens is depressed; most depressed teens do not attempt suicide
What Are The Risk Factors of Depression?
Certain personality traits such as low self-esteem or perfectionism or high pressure to succeed
Traumatic or stressful events such as physical or sexual abuse, being bulled, the death or loss of a loved one, family problems, or not feeling connected to others
Abuse of alcohol or recreational drugs
Challenges related to sexual orientation or gender identity in an unsupportive environment
History of other mental health disorders such as anxiety disorder, eating disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder
Serious or chronic illness
Blood relative with a history of depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism, or suicide
Certain medications such as some high blood pressure medications or sleeping pills (talk with your doctor before stopping any medication)
What Are Symptoms of Depression?
Feelings of (one or more):
Hopelessness
Pessimism
Irritation
Restlessness
Guilt
Worthlessness
Helplessness
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Unusual or persistent tiredness or loss of energy
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities
Change in sleep: sleeping too little or too much
Appetite and/or weight changes
Thoughts of death, suicide, or suicide attempts
Difficulties concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
If you are or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, talk with a trusted adult or contact the
1-800-LIFELINE immediately. You are not alone—there are people who can and want to help!
Remember that depression is the most common mental health issue experienced worldwide and it is treatable. Undiagnosed and untreated depression can have serious negative outcomes such as suicide.
Suicide
Suicide is death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior. A suicide attempt is a non-fatal attempt to die by suicide. A suicide attempt may or may not result in injury. Suicidal ideation refers to thinking about, considering, or planning suicide.
Suicide is linked to many illnesses including depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse. However, it is NOT mental illness that causes someone to become suicidal. It is the COMBINATION of mental illness, severe stress, psychological pain, and other factors.
“The majority of people who attempt suicide have a treatable mental condition, which means there is hope for them to feel better, and the opportunity for people to give and receive help.”
What Are The Risk Factors for Suicide?
Physical illness
Substance abuse
Unwillingness to seek help or other barriers to care
Easy access to lethal means
Grief and/or loss
Family history of suicide
Previous suicide attempt(s)
Abuse/trauma
Mental health condition
Challenges related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity in an unsupportive environment
Warning Signs of Suicide
Research shows that people who contemplate and/or attempt suicide are likely to talk about it with someone. In addition, studies suggest that most people who die by suicide give warning signs beforehand. Warning signs of suicide have also been observed in 75% of cases post-suicide.
We all—as family, friends, and community members—need to know the warning signs of suicide. Like learning to apply CPR, recognizing the warning signs of suicide and a person in need of help is an opportunity to save a life.
Behaviors That May Represent Warning Signs:
- Visiting, calling, or texting people to say goodbye
- Looking for ways to die such as researching methods on the internet or gathering guns, ropes, pills, or knives
- Making direct or indirect statements about death, suicide, or suicide ideation/plan
- Preoccupation with death or dying
- Sudden and extreme changes in mood or behaviors (e.g. changes in routine, behavior, appearance, or grooming habits)
- Increased substance abuse
- Reckless, self-destructive, and/or high-risk behaviors
- Giving away prized possessions
- Not tolerating praise or rewards
- Frequent complaints about physical symptoms often related to emotions such as headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue
- Frequent complaints about physical symptoms often related to emotions such as headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Changes in sleep and/or eating habits
- Acting anxious or agitated
- Rage or talk about seeking revenge
- Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline of quality of schoolwork
- Sudden sense of calm
- Expression of any of these thoughts or feelings:
- Trapped or desperate to escape an intolerable situation
- Humiliation
- Being a burden to others
- Hopelessness
- Purposelessness or having no reason to live
Please take any of the above warning signs seriously. If you are concerned about your friend, student, or child, ask him/her directly about suicide. You are not going to give them an idea they don’t already have!
“Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”
Understand The Impact
Kevin Hines
Hear directly from a man who attempted suicide by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge and lived to tell his of suicide is not the answer.