A National and World Epidemic: Suicide

When comedian Robin Williams recently committed suicide, he brought the plight of this illness to the foreground in public discussion. Suicide hurts both the victim, as well as those loved ones left behind.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFFSP) tells us, “Robin Williams brought laughter into every life he touched; Robin also suffered from depression. It is our hope that we are able to have an open conversation that depression and addictions are real illnesses that can sometimes be fatal.” Here are some startling statistics on the growth of suicide in our country and throughout the world. Know that according to High Life Health/The Vail Daily Newspaper, Sept. 9, 2014, publication, “Every 13 minutes someone dies from suicide in the United States [40,430 per year], making it among the top 10 causes of death in the nation.”

Also know that according to the World Health Organization “Nearly 3,000 people [worldwide] on average commit suicide daily. For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives. About 1 million people die by suicide [in the world] each year.” Newsweek’s Publication (5/22/13) of “The Suicide Epidemic” was written by Tony Dokoupil.

The author gives us this incredible fact: “Ever since 1999, more Americans have killed themselves than the year before, making suicide the nation’s greatest untamed cause of death.”

“It is important to bear in mind that the large majority of people with mental disorders or other suicidal risk factors do not engage in suicidal behavior,” adds AFFSP spokesperson, Alexis O’Brien. Nevertheless, one source, the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, does say, “At least 90 percent of all people who commit suicide suffer from one or more [uncontrolled] mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or alcoholism.

“Depression [uncontrolled] in particular plays a large role in suicide. The difficulty suicidal people have imagining a solution to their suffering [mental, emotional, or physical] is due in part to the distorted thinking caused by depression.”

For some, sadly, depression medication may pose a side-effect problem of increased suicidal tendencies rather than a lessening of them. Therefore, the Federal Drug Administration warns us that it is extremely important to watch for the possible increase in suicidal thoughts amongst someone in the first two months of antidepressant treatment.

This monitoring is especially critical for the person who has never taken depression meds before or who has had their medication dosage changed.

General suicide risk factors then are the following: Mental Illness, alcoholism or drug abuse, previous suicide attempts, family history of suicide, terminal illness or chronic pain, recent loss, or stressful life event, social isolation/loneliness, and history of trauma and abuse. Teenage suicide is an extremely serious and growing problem.

You should be aware, however, that the “highest suicide rates of any age group occur among persons aged 65 and older,” according to web page Suicide Prevention: How to Help Someone Who is Suicidal. The contributing factor of depression among seniors is often undiagnosed, and therefore, not treated. Here are particular risk factors found among the elderly: Recent death of a loved one, physical illness or disability or pain, and major life changes (such as retirement) accompanied by loss of independence and loss of a sense of purpose.

Be alert to anyone discussing the possibility of suicide. The AFFSP informs us, “Between half and 75 percent of all people who attempt suicide tell someone about their intention.”

Ms. O’Brien continues, “A person who is thinking about suicide may say so directly: ‘I’m going to kill myself.’ More commonly, they may say something more indirect: ‘I just want the pain to end’ or ‘I can’t see any way out.’ If you or someone you know shows this strong warning sign of impending danger, the time to act is now! A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn’t mean that he/she does not want assistance.”

If you or someone you know is battling suicidal thoughts or tendencies, please call 1-800-273-TALK [8255] hotline for 24 hour/7 day help in the U.S.

---

---