Depression and Suicide

Do not believe the myth that what a person does has no influence over their decision to take their own lives.

For example, more often than not the person under the influence of drugs or alcohol is more likely to take their own life.

Some people mistakenly think that only those who are poor and cannot buy themselves out of the depressive episode take their own lives. Suicidal thoughts affect those who suffer in every walk of life and every social standing.

Many people feel that speaking to someone who is very obviously suffering through a bad period of depression and talking to them about suicidal thoughts will spur them on and give them reason to think about taking their own lives.

In addressing these thoughts can sometimes have the opposite effect. The person suffering with depression can often feel less anxious because their thoughts and fears about suicide have been voiced.

Not every suicide crisis will include an attempt to kill oneself. It does not necessarily have to get to the point of trying to be considered serious.

Likewise to assume that since there was no overt attempt to take their life that the person suffering with depression is feeling completely better is wrong. Thoughts and feelings that bring a person so low as to contemplate taking their own life do not disappear quickly. Those thoughts can be eased but then it is possible that other stressful events prevent them from going away.

Try to get the person some help do not just hope that the crisis will pass with time. Treatment for depression is of the utmost importance.

Depression and suicide are very serious and must be dealt with immediately. There is simply no time to waste.