Depression+and+Suicide

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Overview
toc Suicide is defined as the deliberate killing of oneself. Depression is severe despondency and dejection, accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. Sociological theories are based on the idea that suicide results from the level and amount of control society has over an individual and the effects of social conditions and social changes on the person (Magyar-Moe). Psychological theories of suicide typically focus on conflicts within the individual; the role of one's thought processes, emotions, and personality characteristics; the person's developmental stage; and the ways in which the person's family functions (Suicide). Teens who are making plans to die often try to tie up loose ends before they attempt to take their own life. They do this in a number of ways, including giving away the things that matter most to them, getting their rooms organized and their lockers or work spaces cleaned out, returning borrowed materials, and paying loans. These behaviors are not suspicious in and of themselves, but in combination with other suicide warning signs, these acts may serve as signals that the adolescent does not plan to be alive much longer (Suicide). Never keep someones suicidal actions a secret.

Teens
Although many people who are depressed have contemplated suicide, younger people have the highest rate of suicide (Suicide). These actions happen from 4pm and midnight. When teens seek the appropriate help, workers who have worked with these teens have recalled talking to them and stated that what they did was not intended to kill them self. If you have noticed your teen or someone you know acting out with aggression, being rebellious, and disobedient are not just trying to capture your attention, but also may be suicidal. If their behavior escalates into risky or self-destructive behaviors, this is also a sign and should be taken care of before it is too late. Teens and adults also try to tie up loose ends before taking ones life (Suicide). This may include owing money to someone or finishing something that is not complete. Always talk to your children when they experience suicide with a friend or family member as well as at school.

Behavioral Aspect
Everyone's behavior can change daily or even hourly. It can change without notice or greatly being aware of the turn your mind has taken. Suicidal people exhibit signs that include sudden changes in behavior related to eating and sleeping patterns, performance at school, physical appearance and hygiene, participation in activities and hobbies, and interactions with friends and family (Magyar-Moe). Sociological theories are based on the idea that suicide results from the level and amount of control society has over an individual and the effects of social conditions and social changes on the person. Psychological theories of suicide typically focus on conflicts within the individual; the role of one's thought processes, emotions, and personality characteristics; the person's developmental stage; and the ways in which the person's family functions. Biological theories are based on the examination of biological aspects of suicide such as the influence of genetics, hormone levels, and neuro-transmitter levels in the brain (Suicide).

Youth And Suicide
Children symptoms for signs of suicidal behavior may include long-lasting sadness, frequent crying for no apparent reason or, conversely, inexpressive and unemotional behavior, including speaking in a monotone voice. Other signs include difficulty concentrating on schoolwork, lack of energy, social withdrawal, and isolation (Suicide). Depression is a major risk factor for suicide, although depression symptoms in children may be difficult to recognize and diagnose. Although young children (less than ten to twelve years) rarely die by suicide, contemporary children develop an understanding of suicide at an early age, and their conceptions of suicide may influence their behaviors later in life, when they experience the vulnerabilities of adolescence (Suicide).It is also important to ask suicidal children what they think will happen when a person dies. If the child indicates that they think someone can return from the dead or that being dead is like being alive, it may be useful to correct that impression and describe with some details what it means to die (Magyar-Moe). Although young children (less than ten to twelve years) rarely die by suicide, contemporary children develop an understanding of suicide at an early age, and their conceptions of suicide may influence their behaviors later in life, when they experience the vulnerabilities of adolescence.

=Solution=

Medication
An anti-depressent may help depression but is not the silver bullet to completely take it away. Most mental health experts agree that when depression is severe, medication can be helpful—even life-saving. However, research shows that antidepressants fall short for many people ("Antidepressants"). . A major U.S. government study released in 2006 showed that fewer than 50 percent of people become symptom-free on antidepressants, even after trying two different medications ("Antidepressants"). . Furthermore, many who do respond to medication slip back into depression within a short while, despite sticking with drug treatment. Therapy and self-help strategies can help you get to the bottom of your underlying issues and develop the tools to beat depression for good.

Suicide Prevention
Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. Speak up if you're concerned and seek professional help immediately! Through understanding, reassurance, and support, you can help your loved one overcome thoughts of suicide. Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously ("Suicide Prevention"). Talking to a friend or family member about their suicidal thoughts and feelings can be extremely difficult for anyone. If you're unsure whether someone is suicidal, the best way to find out is to ask. In fact, giving a suicidal person the opportunity to express his or her feelings can provide relief from loneliness and pent-up negative feelings, and may prevent a suicide attempt. If a suicide attempt seems imminent, call a local crisis center, dial 911, or take the person to an emergency room. Remove guns, drugs, knives, and other potentially lethal objects from the vicinity but do not, under any circumstances, leave a suicidal person alone ("Suicide Prevention"). If a friend or family member is suicidal, the best way to help is by offering an empathetic, listening ear. Let your loved one know that he or she is not alone and that you care.

=References=

"Suicide." Human Diseases and Conditions. Ed. Miranda Herbert Ferrara. 2nd ed. Vol. 4. Detroit: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2010. 1624-1628. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 26 Mar. 2012.

Magyar-Moe, Jeana L. "Suicide." Child Development. Ed. Neil J. Salkind. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2002. 396-399. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 26 Mar. 2012.

MISHARA, BRIAN L. "Suicide." Encyclopedia of Children and Childhood: In History and Society. Ed. Paula S. Fass. Vol. 3. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2004. 796-798. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 26 Mar. 2012.

"Antidepressants." : What You Need to Know About Depression Medication. Web. 04 Apr. 2012.

"Suicide Prevention." : Spotting the Signs and Helping a Suicidal Person. Web. 05 Apr. 2012.