Suicide may not be something that you commonly discuss at the dinner table or with your friends. So you may be inclined to think that it is a topic more common for adolescents who commonly threaten that they will commit suicide or for the elderly person who is terminally ill and wants to leave this life with dignity.
Granted it is a touchy subject and often one people may not want to bring up because they don't want to give any "sad" person any ideas. Or they think suicide is for "crazy" people. But thoughts of suicide are more common than you think.
The reality is that there is a strong and direct connection between clinical depression and suicide attempts. For example, recent study statistics prove that as antidepressant use has increased over the last few years, suicide rates have steadily declined.
So when you consider that about 19 million Americans are experiencing a major depressive episode at any given time - it makes you reconsider your preoccupation with suicide. Anyone with clinical depression is potentially at risk.
Do you know someone who has just lost a relative? Do you know someone with a history of depression? Do you know someone who has just lost their job? Do you know someone who is seriously ill , mentally ill, or terminally ill? Do you know someone going through a painful divorce? Or some other type of serious life change? All these people are at risk for depression and therefore at risk for a possible suicide attempt.
Okay, so this sounds like someone you know -- but how can you be sure that they are at risk. Look for some of these "at risk" signs:
1. A close relative committed suicide
2. Attempted suicide before
3. Talks about suicide
4. Person is depressed
5. Starts making plans for the care of children
6. Begins giving away valued possessions or pets
7. Suddenly calls or visits long lost friends/family
8. Sudden interest in insurance, wills, burial plots, etc.
9. Suddenly has calm demeanor
10. Expresses hopelessness about their lives or life in general
11. Abuses alcohol
12. Abuses drugs
13. Going through a divorce or other relationship break-up
14. Involved in criminal or other serious legal investigation
If someone you knows potentially fits 5 or more of the profile items above - then they could possibly be at great risk for a suicide attempt. Don't panic. Talk to this person. Make it clear that you are there, concerned, and ready to help. Strongly suggest that this person seek immediate mental health attention in your area, and make sure you tell any relevant family members etc. what your suspicions are. The larger the web of support is - the more chance of suicide prevention.
More suicide information resources:
Common misconceptions about suicideAmerican Federation of Suicide PreventionNo Time to Say Goodbye : Surviving The Suicide Of A Loved One
by CARLA FINE
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Lisa Angelettie, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist, writer, and speaker. She has been helping clients with all types of life issues since 1998. She is the Founder and Director of www.GirlShrink.com, a site that offers expert online advice, counseling and coaching for women on a variety of issues such as relationships, mental health and more. Get information about our free advice & other services by Clicking Here.
