$Unique_ID{BRK00146}
$Pretitle{Mental and Emotional Conditions}
$Title{Discussing Suicide}
$Subject{suicide causes discussion}
$Volume{E-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Discussing Suicide


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QUESTION:  My sister committed suicide.  Perhaps you could prevent other
similar tragedies by discussing this problem for your readers.

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ANSWER:  Suicide, as we all know, is a frightening act that must be motivated
by many subtle and hidden factors.  The events leading a person to the point
where they'd choose to take their own life are difficult to understand and
pinpointing the motivating force is even more difficult.  However, there are
500,000 to 750,000 attempted suicides each year and suicide has become the
second leading cause of death among college students in the United States.
Confronted with such staggering, sad statistics and the alarming fact that
adolescent suicide has tripled in the past two decades, professionals have
sought to understand the suicidal personality and have come to the conclusion
that even if we don't have the answer for why people commit this act, it is at
least possible to identify who is at high risk.  And that is an important
beginning.
     Women between the ages of 20 and 24 attempt suicide twice as often as men
the same age and there are definite personality traits that these women share.
The high-risk woman is usually quiet and withdrawn, with diminished
self-esteem and an inability to get on well with others in her group.  She
often experiences a stressful relationship with her family as well.
Depression, of course, is a key factor.  Most suicidal patients see themselves
as failures, are pessimistic about the future, and are plagued by guilt and a
pervasive sense of sadness.  Social withdrawal is common and is frequently
accompanied by a sense of alienation, self-reproach, and helplessness.  The
patient is likely to lose interest in previously enjoyable activities, find
concentration difficult, lack energy, lose their appetite, and develop
insomnia.
     Many of these traits are characteristic of a depressed personality and
don't necessarily signal a suicidal nature, so it is extremely important to
observe any recent change in behavior.  If a person begins to talk about
suicide or starts crying for no apparent reason, the behavior should be taken
seriously.  Since even well-adjusted teenagers experience depression and mood
swings, its easy to dismiss such behavior as a "phase" of adolescent
development.  In some cases, this may be the case, but if the behavior
persists and interferes with normal activity, the warning should be clear.
     Since people at high risk for suicide tend to be passive and reluctant to
volunteer information, it is important understand their state of mind.  A
friendly conversation may offer perceptions that reveal if they're getting
along with their friends, if they're feeling lonely, if they're having trouble
sleeping or getting up in the morning.  Such conversations not only help gauge
their emotional state, but shows your interest and support as well.  Since
many depressed individuals feel alienated, exhibiting support and concern can
play a critical factor in improving their mental state.
     It is very difficult to offer advise on such a painful subject when there
are so many unpredictable factors.  The only thing I can say to a concerned
individual is to stress the need for communication and careful observation.
Therapy and antidepressant medication have been extremely helpful in cases of
severe depression and they have very likely saved lives.  Still, relapse
occurs in one out of five patients, and with suicide statistics what they are,
love, support, and warm, human communication which clearly demonstrates your
concern for the distressed individual are probably the best preventive
medicine available.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
