Depression and Suicide Awareness

The third leading cause of death in the United States is suicide. Depression is the second most common illness. Depression and suicide are related the majority of the time. There are cases where depressed people aren’t suicidal, and suicidal people aren’t depressed. Suicide comes with various warning signs, some of which are severe symptoms of depression.

Neglecting appearance is a sign that the person no longer cares. This may show in untidy hair, clothing that is mix matched, or looks like it’s been worn for days and there will be other noticeable signs.

Loss in interest is another sign. When it seems the person doesn’t care about the usual things this may be a sign of extreme depression.

Talking about suicide is a cry for help. For every suicide there are 30 to 50 attempts. If someone you love is talking about suicide speak with a professional and take a step in the right direction.

If it looks like things are coming to an end. For example, setting up a will, giving away possessions, and visiting people he/she cares about are possibly signs pointing to a potential suicide.

A decrease in school achievement may be noticeable in adolescents and children. In older people a decrease in work performance may be noticeable. There may be a noticeable lack of interest in general, as well as a lack of interest in his/her usual favorite things.

Alcohol and drug use that doesn’t seem to have a specific reason or onset can be a warning of suicide. Other behavioral problems include changes in friendships, sexual promiscuity, changes in eating and sleeping habits, withdrawal from family and former friends, skipping school, and running away from home.

Since 1970 the suicide rate in teens has tripled. With appropriate healthcare and diagnosis of depression and your help getting the victims the appropriate help they cannot find themselves, out of fear, or other reasons, hopefully we can reduce the number of suicides happening.