Depression and suicide are facts of life in American society. Today, more than 16 million Americans suffer from depression to varying degrees. That’s nearly 7 percent of the population aged 18 and over. Depression also affects veterans, especially those who suffer from PTSD.
In most cases, depression is a treatable condition. In its severest state, depression can be a life-threatening problem, especially when coupled with health problems and a range of stressors. Depression becomes particularly dangerous when it goes undiagnosed, which it sometimes does. If you know someone in whom depression and feelings of hopelessness have become manifest, it’s time to watch for warning signs of suicide.
A sudden change in behavior or frequent morbid expressions, like “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I just want the pain to stop,” are indications that someone is nearing a personal crisis that could end in suicide. Pay careful attention to expressions of desperation and other warning signs, which mean it’s time to take action.
The Signs
If your friend or loved one starts talking about feeling trapped or being a burden to others, it could be a precursor of something much more serious. Other signs may arise from sudden changes in behavior or a drastic change in temperament. When a friend who’s normally cheerful and even-tempered turns morose and uncommunicative, it’s probably a sign that something is wrong. Sometimes, an individual who has become suicidal will turn to drugs and alcohol to try and cope with the pain. It’s a particularly dangerous situation for someone who’s struggling with addiction. Alcohol and drug abuse are a close second to depression as leading risk factors for suicide. In fact, people who struggle with substance abuse are six times more likely to commit suicide than members of the general population. If your friend or loved one is having issues with drugs or alcohol, recommend that he or she seeks inpatient treatment.
Factors
As you watch for signs of trouble, consider whether there are any risk factors that could contribute to the situation. In addition to addiction, there are mental health conditions that can increase the chances that someone could take their own life. Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, and sudden mood swings can create a dangerous set of circumstances.
Chronic pain that’s difficult to manage is often a cause of depression and self-harm, especially when chronic pain leads to an abuse of opioids. Approximately 100 million Americans live with pain. For many, the pain is so bad that they aren’t able to hold down a job, maintain relationships, or live a normal life. Some experts project that nearly half of the more than 41,000 suicides that take place in the U.S. every year are related to chronic pain.
Also, if you’re a manager or a leader in a company, you may experience more stress than most people in the workforce. In fact, according to one study, a quarter of managers feel that their stress levels could be described as “extreme.” This stress can ultimately lead to depression or amplify it.
Environmental factors
Suicides often occur due to environmental factors that can make it seem like an individual is trapped in a situation with no escape. An extremely stressful personal or employment situation can be a major risk factor, as can suffering through a stressful life event, such as divorce or the death of someone close. Bullying, including cyber-bullying, can happen to people of all ages and is a frequent environmental factor for suicide. Childhood physical abuse, which is frequently a contributor to depression, is often associated with self-destructive behavior and can be a major contributing factor for suicide.
Sometimes, making simple changes to your environment can make a difference. Something as easy as throwing open your curtains and cleaning up a window to allow more sunlight into your home can help boost your mood. You can even go as far as to look up professional “washers near me” to give those windows an expert shine. The point, of course, is to find little things around your environment that you can improve. After all, a little joy is better than nothing at all.
Suicide can happen to anyone at any time. It can be insidious and difficult to predict, which is why it’s so important to pay close attention to the words and actions of someone you suspect is suicidal. Don’t be afraid to intervene if you suspect someone is close to taking their own life—the consequences are too catastrophic.
Good Gear provides excellent resources for veterans, their spouses, and their children. To learn more about Good Gear, please visit the site and send us a message.
