Depression Risk Factors

It is estimated that over sixty five percent of individuals who suffer from depression will fail to get treatment due to their false belief that there is nothing that can be done to help them. Thirty two thousand deaths on an annual basis in the United States are attributed to suicide.

Depression not only adversely affects the life of the sufferer, but also the family and friends who surround them as they feel helpless at times when watching their loved one suffer. It is a known fact that individuals who suffer from depression are at a greater risk for suicide; however, by knowing the warning signs and potential risk factors it is possible to prevent this tragedy from occurring.

Common Risk Factors 

One of the most common risk factors of suicide among individuals who suffer from depression includes substance abuse.  Many individuals who are depressed will turn to alcohol or drugs as a way of self medicating to numb their feelings of, sadness, or hopelessness and despair.

This behavior can increase the symptoms of depression and also increases the risk of suicide. Other common risk factors include a family history of suicide or violence that includes physical or sexual abuse, a prior history of mental illness in the family, a family history of substance abuse, and separation or divorce. 

The possession of firearms within the home also greatly increases the risk for suicide as statistics show that over fifty percent of deaths by suicide are committed with a firearm. Elderly individuals with depression are also have a higher risk of suicide as estimates show that sixteen percent of suicides are committed by individuals who are sixty five years of age or older. Serious symptoms of depression or other mental illnesses and prior attempts to commit suicide are also high risk factors for suicidal tendencies.  

Symptoms of Suicidal Thoughts 

The symptoms of suicidal thoughts in an individual suffering from depression include repeatedly verbally expressing the fact that they want to end their life or an obsession with death or dying. An individual may also begin to give away all of their personal belongings or possessions.

Someone who shows the signs of serious depression and suddenly displays cheerfulness, joy, or contentment, may be an indication that they have made or finalized their plan to commit the act of suicide. Certain medications including antidepressants are also known to have side effects that may cause suicidal thoughts. 

One of the greatest risk factors for suicide among individuals who are depressed is when the depression is left untreated. Estimates show that the majority of individuals who commit suicide have some type of diagnosable mental illness.

If you recognize any of the signs and symptoms associated with depression or suicide within yourself or a loved one, it is essential that you seek medical help as soon as possible as all forms of mental illness can be successfully treated with professional help. If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts or tendencies, immediate help should be obtained by calling 1-800-SUICIDE.