The Link Between Depression and Suicide

From the rich and famous—Ernest Hemingway, Marilyn Monroe, Kurt Cobain —to the person around the corner, suicide claims the life of one American every 17 minutes.

In 2004, the latest year for which national statistics are available, there were more than 32,000 suicides in the United States, making it the 11th leading cause of death. Suicide occurs across all ethnic, economic, social, and age boundaries. Women are about three times more likely than men to attempt suicide, but men are four times more likely than women to die from suicide. Older adults are at the highest risk for suicide, according to the National Mental Health Association (NMHA). Forty percent of suicides are in people older than 60.

Depression can be the catalyst

A major depressive illness is one of the most common conditions associated with suicide. It is estimated that two-thirds of people who complete suicide suffer from depression at the time of their deaths. Usually, suicidal people really want to live, but they don't think there are any alternatives to their problems, and major depressive symptoms overwhelm them.

Substance abuse is also a major factor that can lead to suicide, the NMHA says. Substance abuse may be involved in half of all suicides. About 20 percent of people who commit suicide abuse alcohol.

People who are suicidal usually seek help, sometimes by seeing their doctor, sometimes by calling a suicide prevention line. Half of suicide victims see their doctor in the month before their death, the NMHA says.

Most people give definite warning signals of suicidal thoughts, but their family members or close friends often don't recognize those signals or don't know what to do about them.

People who are depressed and have the following symptoms are at high risk for suicide:

• Hopelessness

• Rage, uncontrolled anger, or seeking revenge

• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking

• Feeling trapped, as if there's no way out

• Increasing alcohol or drug use

• Withdrawing from friends, family and society

• Anxiety, agitation, or inability to sleep or sleeping all the time

• Giving away prized possessions

• Dramatic mood changes

• Expressing no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life

Watch for red flags

Call 911 immediately if someone you know exhibits any one or more of the following signs of suicide:

• Threatens to hurt or kill himself or herself, or talks of wanting to hurt or kill himself or herself

• Looks for ways to kill himself or herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills or other means

• Talks or writes about death, dying or suicide when these actions are not normal for the person

You can help

If you suspect someone is contemplating suicide, there are ways to help.

• Be aware. Learn the warning signs.

• Get involved. Show interest and support.

• Be direct. Ask if he or she is thinking about suicide.

• Be willing to listen.

• Be nonjudgmental.

• Don't dare him or her to do it.

• Don't ask why. This encourages defensiveness.

• Offer empathy, not sympathy.

• Offer hope that alternatives are available.

• Take action! Remove means!

Get immediate help from individuals or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention, such as the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433).

Many suicides are preventable. Knowing the signs and how to help could save the life of someone you know or love.