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Depression & Suicide
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Identifying Depression
People often say “I’m depressed” when what they are experiencing is temporary sadness, the blues, or disappointments which are normal reactions to loss and the struggles of life. People who have a clinical depression have physical and emotional symptoms that last for weeks to months and interfere with work, social activities, and relationships. In the extreme, they may lead to suicide.
People experiencing depression can experience any or all of the following symptoms:
A person who is grieving the loss of a loved one may also experience these symptoms. When a person has a clinical depression, these symptoms are not associated with loss of a loved one, or they last much longer that the usual cycle of grief.
Depression can occur with other illnesses, such as substance abuse, anxiety disorders, PTSD and other physical and behavioral health disorders. A thorough medical examination can rule out medical conditions or medications that can cause depressive symptoms.
Fortunately, depression is a treatable illness. Medications and various psychotherapies can, over time, help the depressed person regain previous functioning and enjoyment of life.
Back to Top Suicide
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Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death.
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32,000 deaths each year are the result of suicide.
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Every 16.6 minutes an American takes his or her own life.
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About 15 percent of people with depression end their lives with suicide.
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For each completed suicide, there are an estimated 25 attempted suicides.
As overwhelming as these numbers are, the true tragedy of suicide is the devastatingly painful emotional state, often caused by depression, that leads a person to consider and then attempt the act. And suicide does not have just one victim. The pain and suffering of suicide resonates deeply in the family and friends of the deceased. Each suicide intimately affects at least six other people.
Suicide Myths and Facts
Myth: People commit suicide "out of the blue."
Fact: In most suicides, there are numerous signs and symptoms. Unfortunately, these symptoms often are overlooked or attributed to some other cause.
Myth: People who threaten suicide never actually do it.
Fact: Sixty percent (60%) of people who commit suicide tell someone else of their intentions.
Myth: Talking with someone about suicide will encourage the behavior.
Fact: Research has shown that talking to someone about suicide does not encourage suicidal behavior. In fact, it may help identify issues that will increase the chance of the person being treated.
Suicide Risk Factors
Suicide is a complex behavior with no identifiable "single" cause. However, suicide rates are higher among people who have:
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a mental disorder, such as depression
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a substance abuse problem
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a family history of suicide
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made past suicide attempts
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access to a firearm
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strong feelings of hopelessness and isolation
If you are thinking of suicide
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Immediately seek professional help. Virtually all communities have crisis hotlines that are listed in the Yellow Pages under Crisis Intervention Services. You also can call emergency response hotlines, such as "911" for assistance.
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Do not use alcohol or drugs.
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Share your feelings with a significant other.
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Remove any means of suicide from your home. When a person is forced to take another step to complete the act (example: buying a gun, obtaining pills, etc.), this extra time may be enough to cause them to re-examine the decision to commit suicide.
Signs of Suicide
Most suicides are preventable. The main step in prevention is to recognize the many warning signs.
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withdrawal and isolation from family and peers
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use of alcohol and drugs
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decline in school performance
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increased irritability
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dramatic change in dress, activities or friends
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giving away possessions
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discussion of suicide
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changes in sleep or appetite
For older adults signs include:
If you suspect that a loved one is thinking about suicide, tell them you have noticed a behavior change and are concerned. Direct him or her to professional help. You may offer the crisis number of a mental health provider and, in some cases, even dial the number.
Back to Top Websites of Interest
| Military Mental Health Web site |
Mental health self-assessment program for depression, bipolar disorder, alcohol use, anxiety and PTSD for service members and their families.
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| National Institute of Mental Health Web site |
National Institute of Mental Health – information on depression, including a detailed booklet that describes symptoms, causes, and treatments, with information on getting help and coping.
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| National Alliance on Mental Illness Web site |
National Alliance on Mental Illness – Major depression article
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| National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Web site |
National suicide prevention hotline |
| Screening for Mental Health Web site |
suicide questionnaire - if worried about someone |
| Mental Health America Web site |
Mental Health America – finding the right mental health care and suicide and young people |
| After Deployment |
A mental wellness resource for Service Members, Veterans and Military Families. The mission of afterdeployment.org is to assist you and the people close to you to manage your after-deployment concerns. |
| The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Military Youth Deployment Support Website |
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Military Youth Deployment Support Website has been designed to support military youth, families, and the youth serving professionals caring for this population.
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