Part 3 of 3
To conclude the suicide series, we will talk about the risk factors. Once again using sources with the HELPGUIDE.ORG a trusted guide to mental & emotional health here are their findings.
For some, depression medication causes an increase—rather than a decrease—in depression and suicidal thoughts and feelings. Because of this risk, the FDA advises that anyone on antidepressants should be watched for increases in suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Monitoring is especially important if this is the person’s first time on depression medication or if the dose has recently been changed. The risk of suicide is the greatest during the first two months of antidepressant treatment.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, at least 90 percent of all people who die by suicide suffer from one or more mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or alcoholism. Depression in particular plays a large role in suicide. The difficulty suicidal people have imagining a solution to their suffering is due in part to the distorted thinking caused by depression.
According to the Jason Foundation, four out of five teens who attempt suicide give clear warning signs. They list warning signs of suicidal ideation include, but are not limited, to the following:
Talking about suicide
Making statements about feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless
A deepening depression
Preoccupation with death
Taking unnecessary risks or exhibiting self-destructive behavior
Out of character behavior
A loss of interest in the things one cares about
Visiting or calling people one cares about
Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order
Giving prized possessions away
The foundation says, along with these warning signs, there are certain Risk Factors that can elevate the possibility of suicidal ideation.
Perfectionist personalities
Gay and Lesbian youth
Learning disabled youth
Loners
Youth with low self- esteem
Depressed youth
Students in serious trouble
Abused, Molested or Neglected Youth
Genetic predisposition
Parental history of violence, substance abuse, or divorce
Experts with HELPGUIDE.ORG say the highest suicide rates of any age group occur among persons aged 65 years and older. One contributing factor is depression in the elderly that is undiagnosed and untreated.
Other risk factors for suicide in the elderly include:
Recent death of a loved one, isolation and loneliness, physical illness, disability, or pain
Major life changes, such as retirement or loss of independence, loss of sense of purpose
Additional warning signs that an elderly person may be contemplating suicide: Reading material about death and suicide, Disruption of sleep patterns, Increased alcohol or prescription drug use, Failure to take care of self or follow medical orders, Stockpiling medications or sudden interest in firearms, Social withdrawal, elaborate good-byes, and a rush to complete or revise a will.
If we have learned anything about suicide, it does not just affect one person and most of all listen then get help.
Suicide crisis lines in the U.S.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Suicide prevention telephone hotline funded by the U.S. government. Provides free, 24-hour assistance. 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
National Hopeline Network – Toll-free telephone number offering 24-hour suicide crisis support. 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433). (National Hopeline Network)
The Trevor Project – Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Includes a 24/7 hotline: 1-866-488-7386.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – Free, confidential 24/7 helpline information service for substance abuse and mental health treatment referral. 1-800-662-HELP (4357). (SAHMSA)
txt4life – Suicide prevention resource for residents of Minnesota. Text the word “LIFE” to 61222 to be connected to a trained counselor. (txt4life.org)
The above information is intended for information purposes only and not for legal advice. For legal advice, consult an attorney. Questions can be submitted to bguidroz@slpsheriff.com
