Suicide Awareness Voices of Education reports that 90 percent of people who commit suicide suffer from a mental illness, such as major depression, or a substance abuse problem. The link between depression and suicide is clear, and it can happen with children, adolescents and adults. Recognizing signs of depression and getting help early on for a loved one can prevent suicide.
Symptoms of Depression
People who suffer from depression usually experience an extremely sad or irritable mood, trouble concentrating, problems sleeping, changes in eating habits, issues at work and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. Some people with depression have thoughts of suicide.
Signs of Suicidal Thoughts
Signs that someone might be contemplating suicide include talking, writing or drawing about death, talking about suicide, hopelessness, seeking out means to kill oneself, self-hatred, saying goodbye and giving away prized possessions, according to Helpguide.org. Once a person has made a decision to take her life, she might all of sudden become extremely calm and seem happy.
Treatment
Treatment for depression and suicidal ideation includes medication, therapy, psychiatric hospitalizations and electroconvulsive therapy. People who are actively suicidal need immediate treatment and many need a short hospitalization in order to get 24-hour care and to stabilize their moods. After the hospitalization, the person might take antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and receive once or twice-weekly therapy. Electroconvulsive therapy might be recommended for someone who doesn't respond to medication and talk therapy.
Considerations
Teens and older adults are two populations most at risk for suicidal ideation. Helpguide.org reports that teen suicide risk factors include abuse, trauma, lack of support systems at home and school, access to a gun, hostile school environment, such as bullying, and exposure to teen suicide through peers. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 75 percent of older adults who commit suicide visit a physician within one month of taking their lives. Doctors should screen for depression with every older adult they see and refer them to treatment if needed.
Misconceptions
Some people believe that if they bring up the topic of suicide with someone who's contemplating it, then it will encourage that person to do it. The person is already thinking about taking his life. A friend or family member who asks him about it might get him talking and be able to help him make a different choice. Most people who kill themselves aren't crazy. They don't suffer from schizophrenia and they aren't psychotic. Instead, they're in a lot of emotional pain and need help, according to Helpguide.org.
Suicide Prevention
The first step in preventing suicide is to ask questions. If someone believes a loved one may take her own life, she should ask her questions about death and suicide. Ask if she ever thinks about death, how she believes she might die, if she's ever thought about suicide and if she has a suicide plan. If she gives any signs that she's suicidal, get immediate help and give her support. Sometimes, it only takes knowing that someone cares to prevent suicide.
