Q: My best friend confided in me that he has been thinking about suicide, but he made me swear not to tell anyone. I'm scared and don't know what to do.
A: Expressing a wish to die is one of the most disturbing things one person can say to another. Fear and shock are normal reactions, but remember, friends and family members are often the best resources to prevent suicide. Talking to a friend or loved one about suicide can be scary, but keeping it a secret can often lead to tragic results.
Each year in Wisconsin more than four times as many people die by suicide than by homicide. Suicide is the second most common cause of death among 15-34 year olds. People age 65 and older have a higher percentage of suicides than any other age group. Suicide cuts across all lines of race, age, religion and income levels.
Depression
Most people with suicidal thoughts exhibit some form of depression. Depression is both biological and psychological in nature and is the number one cause of suicidal behavior. Wishing to die is a frequent symptom of untreated depression. Other symptoms include anxiety, crying, impaired concentration, poor sleep, fatigue, and loss of interest in friends, food and fun. The bad news is that depression is common; the good news is that it responds well to treatment.
Risk factors and warning signs
Most people contemplating suicide give some warning of their intentions. The most effective way to prevent a friend or loved one from taking their life is to recognize when someone is at risk, take the warning signs seriously and know how to respond.
n Talking about suicide and death
n Expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness and helplessness
n Previous suicide attempts
n Abrupt personality changes
n Excessive risk taking behavior
n Depression
n Giving away prized possessions or setting one's affairs in order
n Withdrawal from family and friends
What you can do to help
n Know the warning signs of suicide
n Always take thoughts or plans of suicide seriously
n Never keep a person's plan or intent to commit suicide a secret
n Ask the person if they have a suicide plan, a weapon or some type of dangerous object. Do they have an intention to carry plan out
n If the person is in immediate danger, call 911 or take the person to the emergency room
n If the person is not in immediate danger, show empathy and help him or her find a mental health professional
The stigma often associated with seeing a mental health professional can prevent people from getting help. Your willingness to talk about depression and suicide with a friend, family member, or co-worker can be the first step in getting help and preventing suicide.
To learn more about mental health, suicide prevention, alcohol/drug issues, self injury, medications, Latino immigrants and mental health, grief and depression, attend the Spring Mental Health Summit from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1, at the Monroe United Methodist Church, 2227 4th St., Monroe. Cost is $20. Download a registration form at https://lafayette.uwex.edu or call (608) 776-4820.
- Dr. Pamela Corrado is a licensed clinical psychologist who provides therapy for adults and families. She received her doctoral degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago and completed a two-year residency in Clinical and Health Psychology at the Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, Wisconsin. She works primarily with adult women who are dealing with a range of life issues, including chronic illness, bereavement, post-partum depression, menopause, parenting and spiritual development, self esteem, stage of life transitions, death and dying and relationship problems.
A: Expressing a wish to die is one of the most disturbing things one person can say to another. Fear and shock are normal reactions, but remember, friends and family members are often the best resources to prevent suicide. Talking to a friend or loved one about suicide can be scary, but keeping it a secret can often lead to tragic results.
Each year in Wisconsin more than four times as many people die by suicide than by homicide. Suicide is the second most common cause of death among 15-34 year olds. People age 65 and older have a higher percentage of suicides than any other age group. Suicide cuts across all lines of race, age, religion and income levels.
Depression
Most people with suicidal thoughts exhibit some form of depression. Depression is both biological and psychological in nature and is the number one cause of suicidal behavior. Wishing to die is a frequent symptom of untreated depression. Other symptoms include anxiety, crying, impaired concentration, poor sleep, fatigue, and loss of interest in friends, food and fun. The bad news is that depression is common; the good news is that it responds well to treatment.
Risk factors and warning signs
Most people contemplating suicide give some warning of their intentions. The most effective way to prevent a friend or loved one from taking their life is to recognize when someone is at risk, take the warning signs seriously and know how to respond.
n Talking about suicide and death
n Expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness and helplessness
n Previous suicide attempts
n Abrupt personality changes
n Excessive risk taking behavior
n Depression
n Giving away prized possessions or setting one's affairs in order
n Withdrawal from family and friends
What you can do to help
n Know the warning signs of suicide
n Always take thoughts or plans of suicide seriously
n Never keep a person's plan or intent to commit suicide a secret
n Ask the person if they have a suicide plan, a weapon or some type of dangerous object. Do they have an intention to carry plan out
n If the person is in immediate danger, call 911 or take the person to the emergency room
n If the person is not in immediate danger, show empathy and help him or her find a mental health professional
The stigma often associated with seeing a mental health professional can prevent people from getting help. Your willingness to talk about depression and suicide with a friend, family member, or co-worker can be the first step in getting help and preventing suicide.
To learn more about mental health, suicide prevention, alcohol/drug issues, self injury, medications, Latino immigrants and mental health, grief and depression, attend the Spring Mental Health Summit from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1, at the Monroe United Methodist Church, 2227 4th St., Monroe. Cost is $20. Download a registration form at https://lafayette.uwex.edu or call (608) 776-4820.
- Dr. Pamela Corrado is a licensed clinical psychologist who provides therapy for adults and families. She received her doctoral degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago and completed a two-year residency in Clinical and Health Psychology at the Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, Wisconsin. She works primarily with adult women who are dealing with a range of life issues, including chronic illness, bereavement, post-partum depression, menopause, parenting and spiritual development, self esteem, stage of life transitions, death and dying and relationship problems.
