Depression and suicide are critical mental health issues that demand our attention, understanding, and action. Despite advances in mental health awareness, these topics often remain shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. In this blog, we will explore the nature of depression, the factors contributing to suicidal thoughts, and the steps we can take to support those affected.
What is Depression?
Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It’s a serious mental health diagnosis that affects people worldwide. Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. Other symptoms can include:
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Sleep disturbances (oversleeping, insomnia, non-restful sleep
- Low energy and fatigue
- Challenges with concentrating and decision-making
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and/or disproportionate guilt
- Thoughts of suicide and/or self-harm
Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. It’s caused by a complex intersection of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Link Between Depression and Suicide
Suicide is a tragic outcome of depression and other mental health conditions. It often occurs when individuals feel overwhelmed by their emotional pain and believe that ending their life is the only way to escape it. Several factors can increase the risk of suicide, including:
- Family history of suicide
- Past suicide attempts
- History of mental health symptoms
- Limited social supports
- Limited professional support
Being aware of these risk factors may help to identify and decrease someone’s potential suicide risk in the future.
Depression, as a mental illness, can impact one’s emotional stress and precipitate negative thought processes. These things combined may increase the risk of suicide in any one person.
How to Support Someone Struggling with Depression or Suicidal Thoughts
- Listening without judging – just being with and listening to someone without offering advice or guidance can help to support them
- Provide support and encourage professional help – if listening is not enough, encourage that person to reach out for professional help
- Encourage connection with others – staying connected with others can be a significant protective factor
- Promote healthy habits – what we eat, our sleep patterns, and how we feel about ourselves influences our overall sense-of-self
- Access to emergency numbers and networks – having this information easily accessible can increase the chances someone may reach out in a crisis moment
Individual Therapy Near Me
At Revitalize Mental Health PLLC, we understand depression and suicidal thoughts are often linked. We also know that depression-like symptoms and suicidal thoughts may be influenced by other things, i.e. past trauma, childhood neglect, or mood disorders. Give us a call at 720.295.6703 or submit an online form here to see how we can best support you on your healing journey.
