Suicide, Facts, and Depression

By: Ryan Rafeh
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:18:42
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

Thoughts of suicide is most likely the worst type of depression. Suicide is " The act or an instance of intentionally killing oneself." (See Sources Below)

Suicide is considered the highest level of depression, usually thoughts leading to death. This sign of depression was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, taking the lives of 30,622 people in 2001 alone. It outnumbered homicide 3 to 2. 55 percent of suicides were commited with a firearm and it is said that the older the person, the more likely they are to commit suicide. This form of depression was the 8th leading cause death of males, and 19th death of females.

So what are some risk factors and possible signs of this depression? Take a look at them:

* Previous suicide attempt(s)

* History of mental disorders, particularly depression

* History of alcohol and substance abuse

* Family history of suicide

* Family history of child maltreatment

* Feelings of hopelessness

* Impulsive or aggressive tendencies

* Barriers to accessing mental health treatment

* Loss (relational, social, work, or financial)

* Physical illness

* Easy access to lethal methods

* Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders or suicidal thoughts

* Cultural and religious beliefs—for instance, the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma

* Local epidemics of suicide

* Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other people

(See Sources Below)

As to most depressions, there are solutions. Suicide has prevention strategies as well. The NCIPC came up with this one as seen on their site-"This strategy results from collaboration among several federal agencies (including CDC), coalitions, community-based organizations, practitioners, and other partners. As conceived, the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (NSSP) requires a variety of organizations and individuals to become involved in suicide prevention. The NSSP emphasizes coordination of resources and the application of culturally appropriate services at all levels of government—federal, state, tribal and community—and in the private sector. The NSSP represents the first U.S. attempt to prevent suicide through such a coordinated approach. Information about NSSP is available from the Department of Health and Human Services website."

http://www.signofdepression.blogspot.com

Sources- Dictionary.com, National Institute of Mental Health, CDC.gov, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Depression category

  • Treating Your Schizophrenic Loved One - By: Marco Gonzaga
    Treating schizophrenia uses antispychotic medications, which can be availed from the best Internet pharmacy. Moreover, attending to a schizophrenic loved one entails a good deal of time, money, and emotional strength on the part of the caregiver/s.
  • Effective Means for Teenagers to Manage Heartbreaks - By: Marco Gonzaga
    If unaddressed, feelings of heartbreak pile up and can cause depression or anxiety disorder symptoms to arise. Although it can be very hard, the first step in healing a broken heart is to own up to the truth that you are hurting.
  • About Ambien - By: John Scott
    Ambien is a prescription sleep medication that is prescribed for those who suffer from poor sleep quality, are irritable, or who may have trouble staying asleep once they've awaken.
  • Sleep as we grow older - By: John Scott
    The article looks at the latest research into sleep patterns and finds evidence that older people may actually sleep less than younger people.
  • Keeping medical scare stories in perspective - By: John Scott
    The article considers the urban myth that sleep-aids like ambien cause dangerous sleepwalking incidents. The WHO has just issued a report that found a trivial number of incidents reported from 24 countries around the world.
  • Care Bear's Tonic? Actually CBT's not that different - By: John Scott
    The article looks at the rate of insomnia in Scotland and notes that the Government has just begun a pilot study into the use of CBT as an alternative to reliance on medication.
  • Getting to Know About the Various Personality Disorders - By: Marco Gonzaga
    Treatment would rely on the specific kind of disorder, for there are many different kinds of personality disorders. Alternatives would involve hospitalization, psychotherapy, and medications such as the best antidepressant for your condition (to be prescribed by a doctor) and other psychotropic drugs.
  • Is Your Personality Making You Sick? - By: Sandra Prior
    Research into how our personality affects our health has produced some interesting findings. For instance, being cheerful isn't necessarily good for you.
  • Work Stress? It's a State of Mind - By: Sandra Prior
    It may be that events at work conspire against you - but it's how you respond to them that makes all the difference. It all comes down to attitude. Each of our attitudes is like a pebble thrown into the still waters of the pond, creating a ripple effect all around us.
  • What Can Be Done about Depression in Alzheimer's Disease? - By: John Scott
    The article considers whether there is any evidence that Zoloft may assist people who have Alzheimer's Disease and are depressed. It concludes that the limited evidence is quite encouraging.