Posted by Aurora on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 12:29 PM
SUICIDE: A PERMANENT RESPONSE TO A TEMPORARY CONDITION
Each year in the United States, an estimated 30,000 people die of suicide. More people die of suicide each year than homicide.(1) Yet suicide is often a preventable tragedy. An understanding of warning signs, risk factors, and prevention tools is helpful. Factors for increased risk of suicide include:
• Depression
• Other Mental Disorders
• Substance Abuse Disorder
• Prior Suicide Attempt
• Family History of Mental Disorder and/or Substance Abuse
• Family Violence, Including Physical or Sexual Abuse
• Having guns or other firearms in the home
• Incarceration, either in prison or jail
• Exposure to suicidal behavior of others,
including family, peers, or media figures
The National Institute of Health (NIH) finds that "Lower levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin have been found in brains of people with a history suicide attempts."(2) Medication is available to increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. Preventative treatment includes medication, psychotherapy, and programs for mental and substance abuse disorders. The NIH concludes that suicide is not a harmless bid for attention, but a sign of extreme distress which should be taken seriously.(3)
It is important for family, friends, co-workers, and even acquaintances to know the warning signs of suicide(4) :
• threatening to hurt or kill oneself
• talking about wanting to hurt of kill oneself
• looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking firearms, pills, or other
means
• talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these
actions are out of the ordinary for the person
• feeling hopeless or trapped –like there is no way out
• feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
• acting reckless or engaging in risky activities – seemingly without
thinking
• increasing alcohol or drug use
• withdrawing from friends, family, and society
• feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the
time
• experiencing dramatic mood changes
• seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life
• giving away possessions or turning over responsibilities to others
• saying apparently final goodbyes to family or friends
If you or a loved one has thought or talked about ending life through suicide, the personal or family physician is a good place to start. The personal or family physician may prescribe medication until a specialist can be seen for a medication evaluation. After the patient is stabilized, testing and/or therapy may begin to identify and deal with the underlying issues.
If you are or someone you know has a plan to or intends to commit suicide, seek immediate help by contacting a personal or family doctor, proceeding to your nearest emergency room, or calling 911. The National Institute of Mental Health recommends, "Remove any access he or she may have to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including medications."(5) Family or friends should do a 24/7 watch (24 hours a day/7 days a week), not leaving the suicidal person alone, until medical treatment can be obtained and the patient is stabilized.
The National Institute of Mental Health recommends the 24-hour hotline:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-272-TALK (8255)
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org