Depression Suicide Risks and How to Minimize Them

There are different types of depression ranging from mild to severe. Depression can strike individuals from all walks of life. Men, women, children, teens and adults are all susceptible to this disorder. No one really knows the exact cause of depression, but many professionals think that it is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Some forms of depression may be caused by major stressors like the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship or the loss of a job. Although the causes of depression can vary from person to person, the symptoms are usually the same.

Symptoms of depression include prolonged and excessive sadness, crying, emptiness and hopelessness. A depressed individual may feel incapable of happiness or positive emotions. They may be unable to enjoy things they once loved. Changes in sleep frequency and appetite are common. There may even be aches and pains that cannot be attributed to physical causes. There may be a lack of attention to appearance or hygiene. These various symptoms can potentially disrupt the everyday life of the sufferer. If the depressed individual has a job or is a student, work or studies may be negatively affected. Sometimes, a severely depressed person may not have the energy or inclination to get out of bed in the morning or leave their home to attend to daily tasks.

The most substantial risk of major depression is suicide. When a person is severely depressed, they may be unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel. They may think that they'll never feel better. In cases this severe, some individuals think that the only solution is to end their life. To prevent this risk, it is important to seek immediate help. Inpatient hospitalization can make the difference between life and death for a suicidal individual. Even if the individual does not want to seek help, forcing them to do so can save their life.

In many cases, depression suicide risk can be minimized with proper treatment. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for many types of depression and can be very effective when used appropriately. If you or a loved one are suffering from depression and want to try antidepressants, it is important to understand that they take anywhere from four to eight weeks to have an effect. During this time, it may be beneficial to seek counseling in order to learn coping strategies for your depression.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved



Understanding Depression.


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Understanding Depression.


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