Depression & Suicide

Depression is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people. Most of the time, people suffering from depression do not attempt suicide, but many people do and end their lives unnecessarily.

Facts

• According to Suicide.org approximately 18.8 million Americans suffer from the various diagnoses of depression. Statistics also show that in 2005 more than 30,000 deaths in the United States resulted from suicide.

Symptoms

• Depression is a medical condition that affects mental and physical health and can cause feelings of intense sadness and anxiety. Individuals diagnosed with depression occasionally experience the feeling of not wanting to live; those feelings are considered suicidal thoughts.

Misconceptions

• A major misconception about people dealing with depression is that if someone mentions suicide, he will not attempt it. This is a misunderstanding of the disease, and all comments about suicide should be addressed as a serious matter.

Prevention

• Depression is considered a medical condition, not a choice, and it cannot be prevented. Managing the depression with treatment such as counseling and medication can prevent suicide.

Warnings

• The warning signs of depression and suicide include intense feelings of sadness, inability to decide on the normal life activities, headaches, weight fluctuations, anxiety and thoughts of wanting to end life.