Severe depression is an illness that affects the mental, emotional and even the physical well-being of an individual and can result in that individual attempting suicide - defined as the intentional taking of one’s own life. Most depressed people don’t actually attempt such a drastic action, but depression is a factor in a higher risk of suicide.

The latest available data states there’s a possibility that some two percent of people who have been treated for depression through an outpatient service still might commit suicide. Of those treated in an inpatient setting, 4 percent are likely to attempt suicide. Those who have a history of suicide are more likely to die by suicide later on. Other research sources have discovered 7 percent of males who have suffered with depression will eventually commit suicide, while just 2 percent of females who have dealt with depression will do the same thing.

Sixty percent of the time the most common choice of a suicide method for both men and women is to use a firearm. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately 80 percent of suicides by white males involve shootings and the next most common method being death by hanging. Women turn to drug overdose or self-poisoning as the second most common method.

In addition to depression, there are other factors that can influence an individual to attempt suicide. One of these is traumatic life events, such as the death of a loved one, a financial rut or other adversity which might compel a person to kill him or herself. An individual exposed to a family history of suicide or suicide attempts can sometimes become caught up in a “suicide contagion” which can lead them to suicide. This can constitute another risk factor for suicide. The presence of family violence; physical or sexual abuse, is another trigger that might cause an individual to turn to suicide as an answer. Drug and alcohol abuse as well as a previous suicide attempt are other risk factors.

Depression is an issue that must be addressed in order to lessen the occurrence of suicidal thoughts. If a person is suicidal, it is a must that he receives professional treatment. Most of the time a person entertaining thoughts of doing themselves in doesn’t realize they need to get help. Being depressed and considering suicide are often related, but it’s possible to get over the depression, and in the process alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

Depression in all its forms is a serious problem. Bipolar depression, also known as manic depressive disorder, is particularly problematic and leads to numerous difficulties in a person’s life. Click here to learn more about manic depressive psychosis.

Tags: Mental Health

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