Need not be a permanent state of being

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that approximately 40,000 Americans will kill themselves this year, and suicide is the tenth leading cause of death for all ages.

In addition, according to those statistics, for every suicide, there are 25 attempted suicides. Among young adults ages 15 to 24 years old, there are approximately 100-200 attempts for every completed suicide.

Dr. Jason Broussard, a psychiatrist at Willis-Knighton Health System, said, “People who attempt suicide often make this decision using impaired judgment for instance, intoxication due to drugs or alcohol or mental illness. Occasionally, this is not the case, such as when someone is terminally ill and suffering from pain due to their illness.

“People who suffer from mental illness often hide it because of the stigma attached to it. Do not judge a person who is suffering. They are not mentally ill by choice nor is it a character flaw. It is a treatable illness, and you can make a difference in their life, either positively or negatively. One of the most common responses to a person committing suicide is that they are ‘selfish.’ Judging another person based on your own experiences in life is ignorance, plain and simple. Be supportive; it may make the difference between life and death.

“One of the biggest risk factors is having attempted suicide in the past. Males are more likely to complete suicide while females attempt suicide more often. The presence of a mental illness or substance abuse also increases that risk. Most suicidal persons are young – late teens to early 20s or older than 60. Limited social support is another very important risk factor.”

Warning signs of suicide listed by the National Institute of Mental Health include:

• Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself

• Seeking access to firearms, available pills or other means of killing one’s self

• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide

• Feeling hopeless

• Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge

• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities

• Feeling trapped

• Increasing alcohol or drug use

• Withdrawing from friends, family and society

• Feeling anxious, agitated or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time

• Experiencing dramatic mood changes

• Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life

“People who are having suicidal thoughts will often inform those close to them, though it may be subtle,” Broussard said. “Expressing suicidal ideation should never be ignored. It is important to pay attention to any clues that a person may be suicidal, such as social withdrawal or increasing their use of alcohol or drugs.

“If you believe someone to be suicidal, the best way you can help that person is to speak to them, although this may seem difficult or uncomfortable. If someone is showing the warning signs, it may help to give that person the opportunity to express the negative feelings that they are having and just talking with them could prevent a suicide attempt.

“It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you are unsure about someone’s safety, you should call 911 or take the person to the nearest emergency room to ensure their safety. Family members and friends often say they are afraid to take action for fear that the person will become angry with them later. I usually tell them that if they are angry with you, at least that means they are alive. Never leave a person’s life up to chance. Remember, they are probably not thinking rationally if they are suicidal, and you may have to make tough decisions for them. Removing guns, knives, drugs and other potentially lethal objects from the home or area is also helpful. This person should not be left alone.

“The first step in treating someone who is suicidal is to ensure the safety of the person, which often means hospitalization. The next step is to treat the underlying cause. If it is a mental illness, such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, their doctor may use medications, psychotherapy or both to stabilize them. If they are suffering from an addictive illness, this will require separate treatment, either with inpatient rehab for at least one month, which is most effective or on an outpatient basis if inpatient is not available or not practical.”

For anyone considering suicide, Broussard said, “Help is available. You can call the suicide hotline anytime, day or night. Tell a loved one what you are going through. If the thoughts of suicide become intense, go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Suicidal thoughts do not persist. You may feel very differently tomorrow.”