Suicide: The 11th Leading Cause of Death in the United States

There is a universal desire to feel loved and worthwhile. Some suicidal persons desperately wish to communicate that they feel abandoned, unsupported, unworthy, rejected, helpless, and hopeless. When those feelings can not be communicated effectively, the person then directs rage and anger toward themselves. The person feels incapable of changing the circumstances, and sees the only way to resolve the feelings and anger is by ending their life. This is why all suicidal attempts should be taken seriously. A suicide attempt is an effort by the individual to communicate their pain and need for help. Superficial suicide attempts may be seen as just a way to get attention. That may be true to an extent, but it is significant that the person could be so starved for attention that such drastic measures would be taken.

On the other hand, many people do not even realize that they are unhappy, depressed, or anxious. This person will often be overly involved in their profession and/or relationships. For example, a wife that merges her entire identity to her spouse may be doing so to mask her underlying feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. She would not realize her suicidal feelings until the relationship severs.

There is evidence that certain groups of people are more probable to commit suicide than others. The terminally ill, teens, the elderly, alcoholics, illegal drug users, the emotionally ill, those with previous attempts, and those with a family history of suicide are all groups that are at high risk. Certain external conditions such as: job loss, divorce, loss of a body part, disease, and a loss of a loved one also can increase the likelihood of suicide.

People contemplating suicide need someone to talk to, someone willing to listen, and that is sincerely interested in their plight. Friends, loved ones, and even coworkers should look for behavioral clues that someone may be contemplating suicide.

• Extreme difficulty sleeping, especially with very early morning awakenings.
• Constant joking or talk about committing suicide.
• Expression of hopelessness and helplessness.
• Dwelling on sad thoughts or events.
• Persistent thoughts that something “bad” is going to happen.
• Signs of depression: less sleep, less appetite, less interest in usual activities.
• Unusual interest in getting affairs in order: writing wills, paying off debts, checking life insurance policies, visiting extended family, giving away belongings, etc..
• Unrealistic fears, hallucinations, and unrealistic feelings of being persecuted.
• Agitated and upset behavior that suddenly changes to calm, outgoing, and happy behavior for no apparent reason. (Some people feel relieved after deciding to commit suicide.)
• Buying a suicide instrument.

There has been an overwhelming number of jobs lost, homes lost, and savings lost during this bad economic time period. We all need to be especially alert during this rough time. Here are a few national resources where people can get help with suicide issues:

American Association of Suicidology
http://www.suicidology.org

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
http://www.afsp.org

Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network (Span)
http://www.spanusa.org

Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program
http://www.yellowribbon.org/

National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
http://www.mentalhealth.org/suicideprevention/

Read more of my work here:

 http://www.healthmad.com/Health/CPR-for-the-Layperson.252611

http://www.healthmad.com/Health/Put-That-Q-tip-Down-Now.248835

http://www.healthmad.com/Health/Hospice-How-It-Can-Help.257351