September is National Suicide Awareness Month

By Lisa Cunningham, Director of Communications

Did you know that an estimated 900 people in Georgia die by suicide each year? In fact, more deaths are caused by suicide than homicide in the state, according to the Suicide Prevention and Action Network (SPAN).

If, like many people, you think suicide only affects a certain demographic or socioeconomic group, think again. It affects every gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic group. In fact, it’s the number one cause of death among the elderly, according to SPAN.

The second largest group of people who fall victim to suicide are young people between the ages of 15 and 24.

Why are these groups most susceptible to suicide?

Experts have identified a number of risk factors for suicide, factors which many elderly and young adults wrestle with on a daily basis. They include:

• Recent losses (death)
• Being single (divorced, widowed)
• Living alone
• Substance abuse
• Questioning sexuality/coming out
• A family history of suicide

Above anything else, experts say, suicide is normally an offshoot of chronic depression. While everyone gets the blues at some point or other, you should be aware of certain indicators which are clear warning signs that something more serious is going on.

Warning signs include:

• A person isolating him or herself from friends and family
• A very young or physically well person speaking about and making plans for what should happen after their death
• A person starts giving away most of their material possessions
• A person openly expresses their desire or plans to die

What should you do if someone you love exhibits the signs of depression?

Ask questions, experts say. That’s the only way you’ll know for sure whether they’re suffering from a normal bout of the blues or something more serious is wrong.

If the person in question is of school age, contact a teacher, administrator, or counselor and inform them about your concerns. And contact their primary care physician, who can make a proper diagnosis and prescribe anti-depressant medications, which have been proven to work in treating depression.

For adults who may be wrestling with depression and/or suicidal thoughts, the same advice applies. Additionally, contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through your employer. This invaluable resource will allow you to speak with someone in confidence about your situation.

Most importantly, remember that you’re not alone. Depression is a treatable illness and there are plenty of people ready and willing to help.

With conversation, counseling, and if need be, medications, it is possible to lift the dark cloud of depression and let the sun shine again.

For more information about suicide prevention, visit the SPAN-GA website, http://www.span-ga.org/span/.

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