Depression and Suicude

It's about 32 million people in the U.S. report having had pain lasting longer than one year . Of those who die by suicide, over 60 percent suffer from major depression (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention).

Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. Thoughts of death or suicide are a serious symptom of depression, so take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. It's not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide.

10 Major Suicide Risk Factors :

1.  Family history of suicide or history of child maltreatment.

2.  Previous suicide attempt(s).

3.  History of mental disorders, particularly clinical depression.

4.  History of alcohol and substance abuse.

5.  Feelings of hopelessness.

6.  Impulsive or aggressive tendencies.

7.  Cultural and religious beliefs (e.g., belief that suicide is noble resolution of a personal dilemma).

8.  Loss (relational, social, work, or financial).

9.  Physical illness.

10.       Easy access to lethal methods and unwillingness to seek help.

There are also warning signs for the person may commit suicide, so his family may be warned for him and keep him under close care.

Warning signs of suicide include: 

•   Talking about killing or harming one’s self
• Calling or visiting to say goodbye.
• Sudden change in mood
• Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped
• An unusual preoccupation with death or dying
• Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g. speeding through red lights).

Are you depressed??

Are you depressed??

Depression is not something you feel for a day or two before feeling better. In true depressive illnesses, the symptoms last weeks, months, or sometimes years if you don't seek treatment. If you are depressed, you are often unable to perform daily activities. You may not care enough to get out of bed or get dressed, much less work.

Signs and symptoms of depression may include the following

1.       Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness: Lowered self-esteem (or self-worth) A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there's nothing you can do to improve your situation.

2.       Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You've lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.

3.       Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.

4.       Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).

5.       Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.

6.       Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.

7.       Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes. Also varying emotions throughout the day, for example, feeling worse in the morning and better as the day progresses . 

8.       Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.

9.       Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things, some people are so impaired that they think that they are going demented.

10.    Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

11.    Changed sex drive: absent or reduced  .

Causes of depression

The causes of depression are complex. it may be either genetic, biological, and environmental factors can contribute to its development. In some people, depression can be traced to a single cause, while in others, a number of causes are at play. For many, the causes are never known.

1.      Biochemical Causes:

· Genetics: A family history of depression may increase the risk. It's thought that depression is passed genetically from one generation to the next. The exact way this happens, though, is not known

2.      Psychological or Personality Causes:

· Conflict: Depression may result from personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends.

· Death or a loss: Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one, though natural, can also increase the risk of depression.

· Major events: Even good events such as starting a new job, graduating, or getting married can lead to depression. So can moving, losing a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring.

· Other personal problems: Problems such as social isolation due to other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group can lead to depression. 

·         Abuse: Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can cause depression later in life.

3.      Medical conditions:

·  Serious illnesses: Sometimes depression co-exists with a major illness or is a reaction to the illness. These "co-occurring" conditions include heart disease, stroke,diabetes,cancer, hormonal disorders  such as hypothyroidism, Parkinson disease & also Alzheimer's disease. 

4.      Medications

·  Certain medications: For example, some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, such as beta-blockers or reserpine, can increase your risk of depression.

      5.      Abuse:

·  Substance abuse: Nearly 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have major or clinical depression.

    6. Diet:

  Deficiencies in certain vitamines such as folic acid and B-12, may cause depression.