suicide and depression
One of the major risk factors for someone who is struggling with depression is the risk of suicide. Suicide is now the third leading cause of death among young adults aged 15-24, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. One of the little known facts about depression is that is entirely treatable. Those with depression should never feel that suicide is their last resort; however, some do and decide to take their lives. Men are four times more likely to complete suicide than women, and over 90% of those who die by suicide have clinical depression.
Sometimes those struggling with depression feel as if suicide is the only way out, the only way to escape their pain. Some of the warning signs for suicide, according to WebMD, are:
Sometimes those struggling with depression feel as if suicide is the only way out, the only way to escape their pain. Some of the warning signs for suicide, according to WebMD, are:
- One or more prior suicide attempts
- Family history of mental disorder or substance abuse
- Family history of suicide
- Family violence
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Keeping firearms in the home
- Chronic physical illness, including chronic pain
- Incarceration
- Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others
My personal connection to suicide involves the death of a student close to my hometown in the northern suburbs of Chicago: Erika. An organization was founded in her name, called "Erika's Lighthouse", whose primary vision is in educating and raising awareness about mental health for young people. This organization was what first exposed me to what depression was and is, and gave me a newfound interest in mental health, as well as what we can do to help those who are struggling; especially if we know/think we know someone personally who has the illness.