Suicide Prevention
Prevention covers a wide range of options depending on pervasive the depression has become. Knowing what options are appropriate for what situation is challenging but there is a method to decide what the best choice is for you. Here’s how:
- Therapy – For anyone diagnosed with depression or feeling symptoms of depression, therapy is a great option. Many therapists see clients for weekly appointments but depending on your symptoms and resources in your area, other programs may be available. Partial and intensive outpatient programs offer higher hours of therapy and increased safety. Therapy is appropriate for someone that is not currently feeling suicidal.
- Medication – As with therapy, many people benefit from medication for depression. If your depression is to the point where you are beginning to think about, consider or plan suicide, medication should be strongly considered. Finding the best medication is a struggle for some but new hope comes with medication. Be sure to communicate with your prescriber about any feelings of suicide.
- Crisis/suicide hotline – These resources exist locally and nationally. Many areas offer on-call crisis workers who are able to come to your home or a neutral location to assess your symptoms and offer help. They are able to refer you to the best care for your situation. They are not there jump to conclusions or “take you away.” Make yourself aware of these services before they are ever needed. These are appropriate it you begin to think about or plan suicide.
- Inpatient hospitalization – Going to psychiatric inpatient is the best way to remain safe or add safety in your life. If you or someone you know has been thinking about, planning and intending to complete suicide, inpatient is the appropriate level of care. Some misconceptions exist about inpatient psychiatric care but as long as the patient is admitted willingly, there is no impact on their ability to vote or own a gun. Inpatient treatment can be initiated by going to the nearest emergency room or by calling 911 and describing the situation. Inpatient stays usually last three to seven days and allows time for intensive therapy and for psychiatrists to make medication changes.
Coping with Loss from Suicide
Unfortunately, even the best care cannot prevent every suicide. In 2012, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death in all Americans, and even higher in teens and young adults. It is difficult to find someone that has not been directly impacted by suicide.
Suicide leaves a path of chaos and confusion in its wake. Survivors are left to face questions that have no answers. Is there more I could have done? Why didn’t I see it coming? Why didn’t he let me know what he was going through? Why didn’t her doctor or therapist do anything to stop this?
These questions are relevant, but only lead to anger and sadness. These feelings are common and expected following a loss, but when felt with extreme intensity or extreme duration, they complicate grief. Grief becomes complicated when the loss is especially tragic, the loss is unexpected, the loss is someone very close to you or the loss comes in close proximity to other losses.
Moving through the process of grief and loss is more difficult following a suicide but success can be had. Here’s how:
- Acknowledge the loss. In the moments and days following the suicide, there is a great deal for your mind and your body to go through including shock, denial, panic, anger and guilt. This phase of the process is mostly passive as the symptoms take course. One of the best things to do during this stage is to retell the story. This means sharing your history with the loved one or the story of their death. As mentioned, anger, sadness and guilt will stand in the way of acceptance so monitor these feelings closely.
- Experience the pain. This second stage typically takes the longest for people. During this stage you will feel helpless, frustrated and possibly resentment and bitterness. You may experience disorientation and a fear of losing control during this time. You will ask yourself many questions about the suicide in this stage. Though you will never know the answers, work to find a conclusion that makes sense to you. Answering the questions serves to move you through this stage. Sending yourself a positive message like “What I’m feeling is normal” or “This is all part of the process” serves as a reminder that your pain is expected and productive.
