A national and world epidemic: Suicide, part 2

Matt Damon became a close friend of Robin Williams after the well-loved comedian promoted the making of the 1997 American movie drama “Good Will Hunting” written by Matt and Ben Affleck and starring all three actors. On September 25, Mr. Damon chose to engage in an interview with Katie Couric, anchor of Yahoo Global News, on the subject of suicide and its accompanying depression responsible for Mr. Williams’ death.

Damon expressed hope that in the future this form of mental illness would lose its stigma of not being able to be discussed openly by the victim or by his associates.

“It’s a sign of incredible strength and fortitude,” Damon said, “to be able to stand up and say, “This is real; this is happening to me, and I need your help.”

The young actor prefaced this statement with the following comment: “I think everyone who wasn’t there with him [Robin Williams] at the end feels bad that they didn’t see it coming.” He continued, “I hope I become better at checking in with my friends, and I hope that we as a country get better in checking in with each other, to prevent this kind of thing.”

According to www.helpguide.org/articles/suicide-prevention/suicideintheelderly/Source: University of Florida, “Most people who commit suicide don’t want to die, they just want to stop hurting. Studies of suicide victims have shown that more than half had sought medical treatment in the six months prior to their deaths. Suicide Prevention for all of us then [FIRST] starts with Recognizing the Basic Warning Signs, and taking them seriously.”

Here are 10 pre-suicide Warning Signs: Talking about suicide (take any suicidal talk seriously; it is a cry for help), seeking out lethal means, preoccupation with death, having no hope for the future, having feelings of self-loathing and self-hatred, getting affairs in order, saying Goodbye, withdrawing from others, having self-destructive behavior, experiencing a sudden sense of calm. According to helpguide.org, other behavior signs that may alert us to impending danger are: strong mood swings or personality changes, losing interest in everyday activities, neglecting one’s personal appearance, and making changes in eating or sleeping habits.

Let’s bring our own suicide management program into the 21st century to help ourselves and our loved ones. The taboo of not discussing suicidal thoughts with others must be removed. Suicide prevention should instead be rooted in communication, openness, and recognition.

In Vail Health’s 2014-2015 Annual Magazine, Don Bissett, a licensed professional counselor and social worker at Vail Valley Medical Center, Vail, Colorado, tells us, “Every instance of suicidal ideation [putting thoughts into words] is serious, whether it’s the first time or one of many times.”

He hopes that people will become better listeners to others’ pain and then come up with a safety and treatment plan with the help of a professional.

According to Mr. Bissett, “It is the psychological level of pain that motivates…suicide attempt…. When people speak with compassion and appreciation for the pain that leads to the suicidal thoughts [with those in need[, they are doing exactly the right thing.”

Do not be judgmental or condemning, rather be supportive of our friends or loved ones’ needs. Remember, most suicidal people do not want death; they want the pain to stop.

It is known that many people consumed with suicidal thoughts don’t say anything because they fear medication or hospitalization. Their family and friends, and perhaps even themselves, must then catch clues from the Behavior Warning Signs listed in the paragraph above.

It is also known that not all people considering suicide will need medication, as sometimes suicidal thoughts are the result of a temporary situation as opposed to a biochemical imbalance needing help. Extreme distress and emotional pain are not necessarily signs of mental illness.

Also the chronically ill and elderly may have mental pain compounded with physical pain. Many people will be able to remain at home after a professional safety plan is put into play: Proper use of prescribed medications (the need to administer meds correctly may be based also on the fact that the No. 1 common way people kill themselves in the U.S. is through the mis-use of meds and drug overdose), securing any other dangerous weapons from the patient’s environment, and a caregiver’s help with the patient at home (no driving or drinking alcohol allowed) where the anxious person should never be left alone in the early treatment period. Usually only serious cases of depression causing suicidal thoughts need to be sent for hospitalization.

While talking to a loved one about their destructive thinking may be an extremely difficult thing to do for most people, it is the second plan of action that must be done to stop suicidal action. Heather Harren, Sun City’s Centegra Health and Wellness Office’s Certified Nurse Practitioner, informs us, “Ask the person in question if they can use help; talk to them.”

If you are unsure whether someone is suicidal, the best way to find out is to ask in a compassionate way. You can’t make your family member or friend suicidal by showing that you care about him/her. This opportunity for the person with suicidal thoughts may be just what he/she needs to release his/her pent up negative feelings and loneliness, thus preventing a suicide attempt. Be yourself, listen, be sympathetic, offer HOPE (the strongest antidote needed here), and ask them to share their pain with you.

Third, assess the immediate risk for suicide and then get help for yourself or the other person being assessed.

Heather continues, ”Talk to primary providers for assistance.” The level of risk increases with the number of these predetermined items already in place: A Plan, A Means to Carry out the Plan, A Time Set, and a Strong Intention.

When in doubt, get help immediately. Call 911. Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, 1650 Moon Lake Blvd., Hoffman Estates, can be reached at their hotline of 800-432-5005 or at 847-882-1600. The local hospital has a multitude of inpatient and outpatient programs assisted by professionally guided medication supervision to help individuals gain mental wellness. It takes courage to help yourself or a loved one in need.

Here is a general outline for aiding an extremely depressed/suicidal thinking individual to get better over a period of time, whether it be ourselves or others: Get professional help, Follow-up on treatment, Be proactive by staying in-touch with the person in need, Encourage positive lifestyle changes (diet, sleep, exercise), Make a safety plan for any future difficulties by removing all potential means of suicide.

Remember the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.TALK (8255) for 24 hour/7 day help in the U.S.

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