Depression and Suicide

By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 11/19/2007 at 03:03PM

In the deepest, darkest moments of despair, many of us have felt a nagging call to "end it all." But, even when we feel trapped in that dark place, there remains a hope that things could get better, a small hesitation or indecision about such a drastic measure…

Suicidal thoughts and tendencies are not an indication of a flawed or weak personality. They’re a response to intense and chronic pain that’s no longer bearable. If you or someone you love is suicidal, YOU NEED TO GET HELP NOW. Here's why:

We all have different methods for coping with stress and pain. And there are huge differences in the amount of pain that each of us can withstand. This is true of both physical pain and emotional pain. So if you’re thinking about ending your life in response to emotional pain, it doesn’t make you better or worse than any other person. You’ve simply exceeded your threshold for pain. It’s very important for you to know that it’s possible to survive these turbulent times by finding a way to either reduce the amount of pain you’re suffering or increase your ability to cope with it. But you can only overcome it if you’re still alive.

If you’re contemplating killing yourself, remember this…there’s no rush. Why not give yourself twenty-four hours or even a week? The option isn’t going anywhere. Try a few things and see how they work out. And if at the end of your trial period, you still feel like killing yourself, you can deal with that then.

First things first, there is no need for you to go through this alone. You’re not alone. You’re not crazy. And you will not be laughed at or dismissed. Why not try making a call or sending out an e-mail or maybe even a call to one of the following places? Really, what have you got to lose?

Call 1-800-SUICIDE in the U.S.
Teenagers: call Covenant House Nine Line, 1-800-999-9999
Look in the front of your phone book for a crisis line
Call a psychotherapist
Carefully choose a friend or a minister or rabbi, etc.

Now, how about a little distraction? Suicide is heavy stuff, and just thinking about it can wear your head out. Rest your brain for just a few minutes with a distraction by thinking about something entirely different. And while you're at it, put some distance between yourself and anything that you could use to cause yourself harm. Get away from any weapons or medications that might be in your home. If necessary, give them to someone you trust for safekeeping. Then, try doing something that has brought you pleasure in the past: listen to music, go to a movie, or go out for ice cream. Take a day just for yourself, and afterwards try just taking things one day at a time.

If Someone You Love Is Suicidal

If someone you love is suicidal, or you think they might become so, it’s important for you to learn everything you can about depression and suicide. That way, should the need arise, you’ll be able to help them as much as possible. There are several online and print resources that offer in-depth information about helping a suicidal person. In addition, you can get twenty-four hour assistance from your local crises center or the Samaritans (Check their Web site for more details.) Both sources provide confidential and non-judgmental information. The following is the list of warning signs that you should look out for in your loved one. Some people who are suicidal will not exhibit any outward signs or symptoms. However, if your loved one does seem depressed, and if he or she exhibits any of the following signs, take action immediately to get help.

Appearing depressed or sad most of the time
Feeling helpless or hopeless
Withdrawal from loved ones
Making negative statements such as "I don't want to go on," or "Everyone would be better off without me"
Displaying a fascination with suicide or death (writing poems or drawing pictures about suicide or death)
Losing interest in daily activities, especially those that have brought pleasure in the past
Writing a will and giving away possessions
Acting irrationally
Neglecting personal appearance
Performing poorly at work or in school
Abusing alcohol or drugs
Inability to concentrate

But Will They Listen?

You cannot control whether or not another person will listen any more than you can control their actions. But you can do your best to help your loved one understand that suicidal thoughts occur as a result of a medical and mental disorder which can be treated. Provide a supportive and non-judgmental ear to listen to your loved one whenever possible; it might not seem like much, but sometimes it can make all the difference in the world.

Virtually every person who has contemplated suicide and changed their mind is glad that they are still alive. There is light at the end of the tunnel. It does get better.

Dr. Edward F. Group III continues to develop, sell and evaluate exclusively high-end natural and organic healthcare products to support a wide range of health conditions. Look for the product “Relaxyn” (a natural alternative to prescription anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds) to be released in late 2006. For more information, please visit the Web's best resource on stress, anxiety and depression at www.stress-anxiety-depression.org or www.ghchealth.com.