TCH News

Issue date: 3/10/08 Section: News

Statistics can be scary. This statistic is particularly disturbing - every 16 minutes, someone in the United States takes their own life. This means that every 17 minutes, lives are turned upside and will never be the same again. Untreated depression and mental illness is the cause of suicide in almost all instances.

Depression affects more Americans than coronary heart disease, cancer or AIDS. Depression is a serious illness. It is not something that you can just snap out of. It is not the same as the blues, which most people experience at one time or another in their lives.

Depression is caused by an imbalance in the brain. This imbalance makes it difficult for a person to think straight. This feeling leaves a person out of control of the situations around them. Imbalances can be caused by genetics, traumatic life experiences and environment. Depression needs to be treated and yet only one in three depressed people get the help that they need. Untreated depression can lead to suicide in some individuals, when other factors are in place.

Untreated mental illness can also lead to suicide. Suicide is the number one leading cause of death in the schizophrenic population. One percent of the world's population suffers from schizophrenia. There is no known cure but it is a highly treatable disorder. Bipolar disorder is another illness that can cause suicidal tendencies as well, and it is also a highly treatable disorder.

Not all depressed people are suicidal but almost all suicidal people are depressed. Learning the warning signs may help you to help a loved one, or yourself, to get help if needed. Some of the warning signs include pessimism, hopelessness, desperation, anxiety, sleep problems, impulsiveness and unexpected rage or anger. The emotional signs that usually precede suicide are often recognizable and treatable.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, AFSP, is on the forefront of suicide prevention. The foundation started a National Survivors of Suicide Day nine years ago. Every November, at sites all over the U.S., survivors meet for support and remembrances.

It is estimated that more than 30,000 people commit suicide each year, leaving behind many loved ones to seek out answers and support. This is what the event is for.

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania Event Coordinator Erin Baehr lost her brother to suicide a few years ago. "It's a club you never wanted to join, but now I am a member," Baehr said. She goes on to explain, "The why's are what haunts us. Suicide brings the usual feelings of loss, but they are complicated by guilt, anger, feelings of betrayal, shame, and even more guilt."

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