Depression and Suicide

Depression and Suicide

Melissa Rodgers

DepressionDepression is a prolonged feeling

of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness.

It may feel like sadness will never go away.

Depression is a serious condition that may require medical help.

DepressionA. Depression is a common mood

disturbance with feelings of sadness, disappointment, or loneliness that can lead to:

1. Withdrawal from people and activities

2. Loss of pleasure and enjoyment in life.

3. Physical discomfort, aches, pains, fatigue, poor digestion, sleep disturbance, etc.

DepressionDepression affects everyone in

different ways Most people feel down or “blue” now

and then - a natural reaction to stress and tension.

Occasional short term bouts of depression are normal for everyone, but people experience depression differently.

DepressionMany people have more serious periods of

depression, but are still able to meet daily responsibilities.

Some people become so severely depressed that they can not face the problems of daily living. Any depression that lasts longer than 2-4 weeks and involves continually feeling isolated, tired and bad about oneself, or that prompts the person to take risks or engage in dangerous behavior, is a signal that immediate help is necessary.

Depression

Mild depression is our most common emotional disturbance. Serious depression affects one in 4 people at some time in their lives. And yet, depression is widely misunderstood. It is often ignored or untreated. People don’t recognize their symptoms, are afraid to seem “weak”, or are too depressed to take action.

Depression can affect anyone at any time:

Depression can affect anyone at any time including:

Elderly people commonly get depressed as a result of physical problems, damaged self-esteem, retirement, declining income, loss of loved ones, loneliness, etc.

Middle aged adults are more likely to become depressed than any other age group. Goals that seem unattainable, children leaving home, etc. may trigger depression.

Depression can affect anyone at any time:

Young adults frequently become depressed as they struggle with intense job and family responsibilities and search for fulfillment.

Adolescents experience social stress and rapid physical changes that often lead to mood swings.

Children - even babies – can suffer from depression. It is usually related to family conflicts, and symptoms quickly pass. However, children can suffer sever depression, so it is important to not ignore symptoms.

Types of DepressionMild depression (the “blues”) is the most common

type of depression. It is usually brief and doesn’t seriously interfere with normal activities.

Significant events such as holidays, anniversaries, a new job, a move, as well as boredom and frustration can produce a temporary “down” mood.

Postpartum depression (after giving birth) is a common type of mild depression. However, it can become severe, so talk to your physician if you feel depressed after childbirth.

Treatment is usually not needed. A change of situation, pace, etc., is usually enough to brighten a “blue” mood.

Types of DepressionModerate depression (feeling hopeless)

symptoms are similar to those of mild depression, but more intense and longer lasting.

An unhappy event such as a loss of a loved one, career setback, etc. is usually the cause. This person is aware of unhappy feelings, but can’t stop them.

Daily activities may be harder (but usually still possible) to cope with.

Suicide may be a danger. It seems like the only “solution” as pain gets worse.

Professional help may be necessary.

Types of Depression Severe depression (separation from reality) is when a

loss of interest in the outside world and serious prolonged behavior changes are characteristic.

Deep inner imbalances are usually the cause. Sometimes another disorder such as schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug addiction may be related to depression.

Physical symptoms often become obvious. The person may suffer from delusions that his or her body is changing.

Manic – depressive illness is a form of depression in which the person goes from extreme highs and deep lows.

Professional treatment is necessary.

Treatment of DepressionAs with most illnesses, treatment is

easiest and most effective when its begun early. Health professionals can develop a plan to treat depression that may include taking medication, making changes in home or school environment, or counseling. Treating depression takes time, persistence, and patience.

Thinking of Death“There are times in every life when we would

like to die temporarily” - Mark Twain

Most people learn to manage stress in a healthful way. For some people stress can cause alienation, feeling isolated and separated from everyone else. These people may be unable to cope with difficult life experiences. They may seek to escape from the pain and consider ending their lives.

Suicide

Suicide – is the act of intentionally taking one’s own life.

It is normal to have passing thoughts about what it would be like to be dead or about using death to avoid one’s current situation. It’s normal so long as these thoughts are fleeting and not seriously investigated.

Suicide

To understand suicide, it is a necessary to understand that suicide is not seen as death as much as it is seen as a temporary relief or solution to ones problems.

A fundamental issue for most people contemplating suicide is their lack of faith in their own ability and competency to lead the lives they want to have.

Factors

Often we try to look at what causes a person to commit suicide. We can look at an event that may of happened recently (break up, failing grade, not making a team…) or something more long term (divorce, abuse . . .). While both of these are important it is usually not so much these events, but how the person copes with theses events that determine if he or she will become suicidal. Some adolescents, given a number of life stressors, will never be suicidal. Other with the same or fewer stressors will cope with stress by considering suicide as an option.

Suicide is a process:Some reasons a person might choose suicide:

A prolonged depression

Fear of failure, incompetence, rejection

Fear of being alone (“I can’t live without...”)

Guilt over what one has done or has failed to do

Anger at parents, spouse, boy/girl friend

Irrational behavior caused by drugs and/or alcohol

Suicide is a process:

Grief over a loss - job, health, loved one, an expectation...

A desire to be in complete control of one’s life and end of life.

A desire to control or punish others

A means of getting attention and love

Desire to end a life not worth living

Warning Signs The majority of those contemplating suicide give clues

to their plans, some are obvious, while others are subtle. Some things you can watch for in those around you:

Talking about killing self Preparing for their own death, getting things “in

order”. Giving away prized possessions, making a will, cleaning room…

A long depression, then suddenly “snapping out of it”. The greatest danger in suicide exists during the first 3 months after a person recovers from a deep depression.

Sudden behavior change: an outgoing person suddenly becomes quiet and withdrawn; a shy person suddenly becomes reckless and uninhibited.

Warning Signs Heavy alcohol / drug use. Drugs not only dull emotional

pain, but they make people do things they normally wouldn't. Most teens who commit suicide have taken some drug in any of the 24 hours leading up to the act.

Person acts angry at him/herself and the world; feels helpless, hopeless and self-destructive.

Obsessed with death - the main theme in writing, talk and/or artwork.

May have suffered a serious loss lately (break up, death, fight – or the anniversary of such a thing)

Change in sleeping, eating, personal habits, appearance, concern for school.

Increased risk taking Loss of interest in things previously enjoyed – activities,

friends In trouble – law, family, school...

How You Can Help 91% of high school students said they would turn to a

friend first if they ever considered suicide. The most important thing you can do is listen. You

need to be non-judgmental (don't criticize their choice or tell them why they can't do it). It is okay to ask if they are planning to hurt or kill themselves.

Show you take the person's feelings seriously and wish to help. Communicate your concern and support. Do not try to talk them out of it.

Ask if they have a plan. If they already have the means (pills, gun) do not leave them alone! You need to take immediate action and get help for them.

Try to find out why they want to kill themselves. This will help you know where to direct them for help.

It is important for you to know that there are some secretes you cannot keep - you have to tell a responsible adult as soon as possible.