Depression and Suicide
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Depression and Suicide, Textbook p. 391-293 and WebMD (http://www.m.webmd.com/depression-recognizing-signs-of-suicide)
Most people going through depression are at a high risk of committing suicide (webMD). Suicidal tendencies should be taken seriously and necessary help accorded to prevent suicide. Most suicide related deaths are because of depression or other mental disorders. It is estimated at 90 percent of all suicidal deaths (webMD).
The warning signs of suicide are many. Such people who commit suicide always talk or think about death. Others suffer from clinical depression. They are deeply sad, lose interest, and have trouble eating among other states that get worse (webMD). Such people have a death wish and often take risks leading to death. It is common to find such people lose interest in things they used to care about and their comments are that they feel hopeless, helpless or even worthless (webMD). They have unpredictable changes, for instance, they suddenly switch from being sad to being calm and happy. They talk about suicide or killing someone and you will find them calling or visiting people to say goodbye (webMD).
People who are depressed tend to be suicidal. Studies show a chemical known as serotonin is found to be lower in the brainstem and cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with suicidal tendencies (webMD).
Individuals who are suicidal and depressed should be advised to seek help from professionals in mental health (webMD). This is because such individuals feel so hopeless that they think it is not possible to get help. Such people should not be left alone and persistence to help should be exercised by caregivers. Any object that may be used to commit suicide by such people should be taken away from them. Antidepressants and other prescribed medication should be encouraged on these people so that they do not miss them (webMD).