Suicide rates are high among people experiencing depression symptoms. The 1996 White House Conference on Mental Health reported over two thirds of all reported suicides in the U.S.A. were caused by depression. The U.S. suicide rate is approximately 30,000 deaths annually, meaning 20,000 suicides a year result from depression.
Identifying Suicidal Behavior
Identifying suicidal behavior can help people considering killing themselves get the help they need. Unfortunately suicidal behavior changes from one person to the next. Some suicides come as a complete shock to family and friends, while clear danger signals precede others.
Certain depression symptoms are signs of suicidal behavior. The presence of these symptoms do not automatically mean a person is suicidal, only that the possibility of suicidal behavior exists. Such symptoms include:
- changes in eating habits
- changes in sleep habits
- feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- loss of concentration or focus
- loss of self-esteem.
A suicidal individual may have few, if any goals and no interest in developing new goals. Suicidal people may experience loss of control, resulting in either physical or emotional outbursts. Suicidal men often engage in risky behavior, including unsafe sex and dangerous activities. A morbid interest in death and ways people die may also indicate suicidal thinking.
Some people begin “making arrangements” prior to a suicide attempt. Making arrangements may include arranging for new homes for pets, giving away important or valuable possessions, or suddenly making a will. (Making a will is a responsible act in most cases, but can be an indication of suicidal behavior when seen with other warning signs.)
Personal History and Suicide
Life events can trigger suicidal thinking. Many of the stressful events that increase the risk of depression are also suicide risks. The death of a spouse or child, a serious illness or other stressors can precede suicidal behavior.
The elderly are especially at risk for life-event triggered suicidal behavior; the risk of serious illness, spousal death and loss of independence increases with age. The highest suicide rate in America occurs amongst white males over the age of seventy.
Suicide, Attempted Suicide and Suicidal Gestures
Suicidal behavior may result in a successful suicide, attempted suicide or suicidal gestures. Of the three, successful suicide is the worst case scenario. In order to reduce the risk of completed suicides both suicidal gestures and attempted suicides must be taken extremely seriously.
Suicidal Gestures
Suicidal gestures are acts of self injury or self harm that will not, in most cases, result in death. Examples include trying to overdose on an unlikely substance. Trying to overdose on painkillers is an attempted suicide. Trying to overdose on mineral supplements is a suicidal gesture (albeit one that could have serious, or even fatal, results). Making scratches on a wrist with a key is a suicidal gesture: slashing wrists is attempted suicide.
Cutters and Depression
Suicidal gestures are similar to “cutting” and other non lethal self mutilation. A “cutter” deliberately cuts the skin not to kill herself (cutting is most common amongst young women) but for the emotional release the pain brings. Cutters are quite common amongst adolescents, and cutting is often see alongside teenage depression, as are suicidal gestures.
Attempted Suicide
An attempted suicide is simply a suicide attempt that fails. Popular thought sometimes considers attempted suicides as “cries for help” rather than serious attempts at suicide. This is a dangerous misconception. An attempted suicide has moved beyond suicidal gestures and non lethal self injury. While the attempt may well have been a cry for help, any attempted suicide could prove fatal and should be treated as such.
Suicide Emergencies
Suicide hotlines and crisis centers are available for people having suicidal thoughts, and also available to people who suspect they know someone who is suicidal. Suicide hotlines include 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or 1-800-SUICIDE. Local suicide crisis centers may also be available.
In an emergency involving suicidal thinking or an attempted suicide, call 911 immediately. A quick response is sometimes all that divides an attempt from a successful suicide.
Resources
Conqueranxietyanddepression.com. (retrieved 14 September, 2009). Ten Warning Signs of Suicidal Behavior.
Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. (retrieved 14 September, 2009). Suicidal Behavior.
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
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