Depression affects millions of people each year and out of this huge number is a group of about individuals at particular risk for depression suicide; about 30,000 actually complete the act each year. Depression related suicide often affects the severely depressed and people who suffer from chronic depression illnesses. It is important to know the warning signs of suicide in people who are depressed in order to prevent depression suicide. You should always take the warning signs very seriously and know well how to respond to potentially suicidal depression patients. If you know the signs and assist the sufferer in seeking help, you may prevent a suicide.
Depression Suicide Warning Signs
Being aware of the warning signs of depression related suicide is as important as your response to the signs. You should pay particular attention to people who are known depression patients, especially those who have attempted suicide in the past. Up to 50 percent of people who commit suicide have a history of suicide attempts, prevention is key. Warning signs include:
Talking about suicide (specifically mentioning killing one's self)
Constant talking or expressing thoughts about death
Regular statements about being hopeless, helpless or worthless
Phrases such as: “It would be better if I wasn't here” or “I want out” or “I’d be better off dead”
Depression that goes from bad to worse
A sudden, change in mood in a depressed individual (e.g. going from being extremely depressed and sad to appearing to be very calm or happy) which may indicate a plan for suicide in place
Appearing to have a ‘death wish’ or tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death (e.g. crazy driving and intentionally running red lights)
Complete loss of interest in things that used to be very important
Contacting and visiting people to ‘say goodbye’
Putting affairs in order by changing a will and clearing up financial affairs
Preventing Depression Suicide
The most important thing to do when you know someone is depressed and may be considering suicide is to take the person very seriously. It is not a matter to be joked about, even if it causes some difficult or awkward moments.
You need to find out what the person is planning without starting an argument with them or trying to ‘talk them out’ of committing suicide. Instead, you should be supportive of the person and let them know you are there to help and care about them. Then listen to their problems earnestly and try to help find solutions. DO NOT try to give a laundry list of their reasons to live.
Get help for the person in the form of a mental health professional and consider going to the counseling or therapy session with them. Most suicidal people will not actively seek help on their own, your support is necessary.
If the person seems immediately suicidal (as in they may be about to implement their plan) do not leave them alone and remove anything that could be used to commit suicide. The best option is to get the person to an emergency room and get them into care.
Treatment will be necessary and may be long term; your support in the treatment will be of the utmost importance to prevent a relapse in the possibility of depression suicide. If any medication is prescribed, be diligent in keeping the person on the prescription in addition to therapy.
