Mental Health Awareness Week - Suicide

Life has it's ups and downs and I, for one, have had plenty of roller coaster rides. I confessed that I had suffered from depression in the past. I will also be honest about today's topic. I am one of the 24% of individuals who have considered it as a means of ending some extreme emotional pain. And as you are aware from my previous posts, Baby Boomers are more successful than any other generation at attempts and completion. So, let's discuss suicide.

I can throw out all sorts of statistics to you. Over 34,000 people die of suicide a year - translating to one person dying every 15 minutes. Although women are more likely to try, men are more successful because of the more violent means they choose - firearms or hanging. 90% of adults and 60% of adolescents who commit suicide have a diagnosed mental illness, especially depression or substance abuse. And, sadly, 70% of older individuals visited their PCP within the month of their suicide.

The above statistics are important as it underscores this very important consideration - that suicide might be preventable.

Again, I always consider the Biopsychosocial characteristics of an individual when considering signs of suicide as well as risks of suicide. And why? Because there is no poster person that represents the face of suicide. Although statistics are an important consideration, it is the individual we are truly analyzing.

The following are WARNING SIGNS listed by a Suicide Prevention Program called Yellow Ribbon. Please visit them at www.yellowribbon.org:

WARNING SIGNS

Abrupt changes in personality
Giving away possessions
Previous suicide attempt
Use of drugs and/or alcohol
Change in eating pattern - significant weight change
Change in sleeping pattern - insomnia/oversleeping
Unwillingness or inability to communicate
Depression
Extreme or extended boredom
Accident prone (carelessness)
Unusual sadness, discouragement and loneliness.
Talk of wanting to die
Neglect of academic work and/or personal appearance
Family disruptions - divorce, trauma, losing loved one.
Running away from home or truancy from school.
Rebelliousness - reckless behavior.
Withdrawal from people/activities they love.
Confusion - Inability to concentrate
Chronic Pain, Panic or Anxiety
Perfectionism
Restlessness

Many of the above warning signs refer to the biological and psychological factors I discussed in previous posts. Yellow Ribbon also emphasizes the need to consider the RISK FACTORS. Many of those listed here refer to the sociological factors. Coupling the two gives a clearer suicidal risk. I agree completely.

RISK FACTORS

Problems with school or the law
Breakup of a romance
Unexpected pregnancy
A stressful family life. (having parents
who are depressed or are substance
abusers, or a family history of suicide
Loss of security...fear of authority, peers,
group or gang members
Stress due to new situations; college
or relocating to a new community
Failing in school or failing to pass
an important test
A serious illness or injury to oneself
Seriously injuring another person or
causing another person's death
(example: automobile accident)
Major loss...of a loved one,
a home, divorce in the family,
a trauma, a relationship

Yellow Ribbon stresses the following:
Suicide victims are not trying to end their life - they are trying to end the pain!

How can we help?
First of all, don't be afraid to be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
You have to be willing to listen. Allow the person to express their feelings.
Do not be judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.
Don't be afraid to get involved, to be available, to show interest and support
Don't act shocked. You want to maintain their trust in you,
Don't be sworn to secrecy.
Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
Ask if they have a plan. Take action. Remove any means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or have even developed a plan or have the intent, please contact someone you know, visit the closest ER or call the number listed below.

If you are worried about someone and see some warning signs and/or identify risks, please consider getting involved.

The National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE provides access to trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

When I lost my son, Andy, at age 19, to an accidental drug overdose, I started a foundation modeled after Jason's Foundation which is dedicated to the silent epidemic of teen suicide. Please visit www.jasonfoundation.com if you are concerned about our younger generation.

I wish you all brighter days and good mental health. Peace, Dr. Elaine