Suicide and Depression

Social Stigma

The reason our society continues to have such a problem with suicide and depression is that there is a huge social stigma attached to the topic. People believe it is a sign of weakness to admit feelings of helplessness and despair. Or, they feel that the only people who commit suicide are those who are trying to get sympathy from others.

However, there is no reason to feel ashamed of suffering from depression or having suicidal thoughts. Depression is caused by an imbalance in brain chemistry; it’s not a disease you can “catch” by doing something wrong. Suicidal thoughts caused by untreated depression are simply a cry for help that must not be ignored.

Statistics on Suicide and Depression

Suicide and depression are much more common than you might realize. Consider the following statistics:

• Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death for people in the United States.
• Each year, more people die from suicide than homicide.
• Up to 15 percent of people who are diagnosed with clinical depression will die as the result of suicide.
• Contrary to popular belief, suicide rates increase with age. People ages 65 and older have a much higher risk of committing suicide than teenagers or young adults.
• While males are four times more likely to commit suicide than females, women attempt suicide at a much higher rate than men. The difference in success rates can be attributed to the fact that men tend to use firearms, while women gravitate towards less lethal methods such as overdosing on prescription medications.

Warning Signs

If you think someone you love is thinking about suicide, look for the following warning signs:

• Repeated statements of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Giving away prized possessions
• A loss of interest in activities that he/she once considered enjoyable
• A sudden desire to visit friends and family who he/she has not regularly contacted in the past
• A preoccupation with death

If you are worried about your friend or family member, don’t be afraid to bring up the topic of suicide and depression. Talking about your concerns in a nonjudgmental way can give your loved one the strength to get the help he/she desperately needs. However, if you believe there is immediate danger, call 911 or take the person to the emergency room.

Despite what you may have heard, most people who are having thoughts of suicide don’t really want to end their lives. They merely can’t find another way to cope with the pain they are feeling.

Getting Help

People who suffer from depression must seek help from a qualified medical professional. In fact, research has shown that untreated depression is the primary “cause” of suicide.

It is important to realize that depression is a serious mental illness. Depression can be treated with psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. It is not possible to simply will yourself to feel better or to successfully self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.

Additional Information

If you are interested in learning more about suicide and depression, check out the following resources:

• SAVE: Suicide Awareness and Voices of Education
• All About Depression
• Suicidal.com
• Suicide Prevention from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
• Suicide Information from the National Institutes of Mental Health

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