About Suicide
Suicidal thoughts are a clear indication that something is seriously wrong in a person’s life. No matter the race or age of the person; how rich or poor they are, it is true that most people who die by suicide have a mental or emotional disorder.
The most common underlying disorder is depression, 30% to 70% of suicide victims suffer from major depression or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder.
PTSD and depression can easily go hand in hand. Please notice how many signs and symptoms are similar or related between PTSD and suicide.
Eighty percent of people thinking about committing suicide give some sort of sign of their intentions. People who talk about suicide, threaten suicide, or call suicide crisis centers are 30 times more likely than average to kill themselves.
Please keep an eye out for the signs.
KNOW that depression is TREATABLE, and that someone really does care about you. The Cpl. Chad Eric Oligschlaeger Foundation for PTSD cares, and so does the person who typed all this up for you to read.
There are many of us who care, and we sincerely want you to get the help you need.
You are NOT ALONE. Reach out!
Warning Signs:
- Comments like “You’d be better off without me.”
- Risky behavior
- Changes in personality
- Giving away posessions
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Previous suicide attempts
- Seeks medical attention for mental health
- Is taking medication for mental health
- Is self-medicating
DO’s & DON’T’s:
- DO trust your instincts. Listen to your gut telling you this person is in trouble.
- DO get help from the PROs, DON’T try to handle this yourself.
- DON’T swear to secrecy.
- DO listen without criticism or judgement.
- DO notice suicide plans – The more detailed, the more serious it is.
- DON’T leave a suicidal person alone, especially if that person is YOU.
- DO get a second opinion if you are prescribed too many drugs at once.
- DON’T stop taking medication abruptly without your doctor’s knowledge.
- DO tell your doctor about EVERY medication and supplement you are on.
- DO educate yourself about multiple drug toxicity.
- DO arm yourself with knowledge.
Treatment
Nearly three-fourths of all suicide victims visit a doctor in the months prior to committing suicide. It is terrifyingly common for such patients to receive numerous prescription drugs that may make the situation worse. The way to prevent suicide is to treat the underlying causes.
The most common ways to treat underlying illnesses associated with suicide are with medication, talk therapy or a combination of the two.
I’m Alive 1-800-784-2433 Get connected with a crisis center in your area. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), or visit DrugRehab.com for help 24/7, call at 1-855-857-1913.
You can also call 911 in case of any emergency that you believe may be life threatening. Please be safe and don’t risk your life or someone else’s by hesitating to get help.
Again KNOW that depression is TREATABLE, and that someone really does care about you. The Cpl. Chad Eric Oligschlaeger Foundation for PTSD cares, and so does the person who typed all this up for you to read. There are many of us who care, and we sincerely want you to get the help you need.
You are NOT ALONE. Reach out!
Sources – Mental Health America
