crisis pregnancy
Depression and Suicide
Is there always a risk of suicide in depression?
Yes. Caregivers, as well as primary care physicians and nurse practitioners must constantly be on the lookout for signs of suicide in those who are depressed and be prepared to act quickly. Most people who kill themselves have sent clear messages of their intention. The attentive spouse, parent or friend is often in the best position to detect the early signs that a loved one may be contemplating suicide.
All depressed people need to be assessed for their risk of suicide. It is better to be safe than sorry. The best way to do this is to get the topic right out in the open with frankness and the reassurance that death wishes are perfectly normal when one is depressed. It is not a sign one is crazy, nor does it mean one is serious about it. Sometimes, just this reassurance is enough to remove the risk.
If the person talks about or hints at specific suicide plans, consult a mental health specialist immediately. He or she will tell you what to do. Do not leave the depressed person alone at any time until you can get help.
Risk factors
Loved ones and caregivers should pay particular attention to these factors:
- Prior suicide attempts
- A family history of suicide
- A history of substance abuse
- Psychosis
- General or severe medical illness
- Advanced age
- A profound sense of helplessness
Older Caucasian males who live alone are at greatest risk. Eighty percent of older people who kill themselves are white men, and most of them use guns. All firearms should, therefore, be removed from anyone who is at risk. If you cannot remove the guns, then hide the ammunition.
Older women are three times as likely as younger women to attempt suicide — usually by overdosing themselves — but they tend to be less successful than men. All medications should be removed from any older woman at risk.
Signs that someone is contemplating suicide
Behaviors may change. They become less interested in family, friends, hobbies and churchgoing. Some start drinking more. They become more secretive and withdrawn.
They may become more careless about personal appearance. They might give things and money away, buy a gun or stockpile pills.
Feelings may change. Suicidal people can become more lethargic, lose their appetite, or express more anger.
They may say things such as “You'd be better off if I was dead,” “I won't be around much longer,” or “Life isn't all it's cracked up to be.”
One important signal is when the person is depressed over a major loss and expresses intense anger. When these two are combined, there is a very high risk of suicide occurring.
Background Information
Behind the Scenes of a Teen Pregnancy
A look at the thoughts and feelings she — and you — are going through.
Abortion Risks
While abortion seems like a "quick fix" for a long-term problem, it is a permanent decision that carries physical, emotional and spiritual risks.
Deciding About Adoption
When considering adoption as an alterative to raising your baby, these answers may dispel adoption myths.
Questions and Answers
Why do I feel like this pregnancy has pulled me in so many different directions? I feel so overwhelmed with all the ramifications of this decision I must make. How can I sort it all out?
Answer
My pregnant daughter has her whole life still ahead of her. Would it be better for her to place her baby with a family through adoption, parent her baby or have an abortion?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Things Seen and Unseen
A woman in a white coat walked into the room and flipped on the fluorescent lights, jarring my wife awake. The jarring was just beginning.
Left to Suffer
Abortion can leave a woman feeling more empty and alone than she ever dreamed possible.
Life is Sacred
Sometimes the choices we make bring pain. Thankfully, one woman turned to God for healing.
Taboo Grief: Men and Abortion
It's not something most men talk about, but the ones who've lost a child to abortion bear many scars.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Faith Helps
God may be the only person who understands what you're going through.
What the Choice is All About
For a long time it baffled me. I could never understand why anyone would want to be pro-choice. But this past week I finally got it.
Related Topics
Relationships: Blended Families, Parents and Adult Children
Transitions: Preparing for Adolescence, Empty Nest
