Submitted by Anjum Bashir, MD, Decatur Psychiatry
Suicide is a major public health concern that no one wants to talk about. Suicide takes more lives than automobile accidents and more than twice as many people die by suicide each year than by homicide. It is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15–34 and the 10th leading cause of death for people of all ages. You may be surprised to know that the suicide rate increased more than 30 percent for Americans ages 45–64 over the last decade. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk for suicide. Suicide is tragic, taking a substantial toll on individuals, families, and even entire communities.
The greater tragedy is that suicide is often preventable. While there are many risk factors for suicidal behavior—including substance abuse, family history, and family violence—untreated depression is the number one risk factor for suicide. There are more than 19 million adults in the United States living with depression and many more people are likely suffering but are unaware that what they are feeling is depression.
Depression is more than just feeling sad. In fact, many of the most common symptoms of depression are not sadness, which may explain why people often do not even realize that they are suffering from depression. The following symptoms are the most common warning signs of depression:
- Ongoing anxious or empty feelings
- Feeling hopeless, guilty, or worthless
- Feeling irritable or restless
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once enjoyable, including sex
- Feeling tired all the time
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
- Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping all the time
- Overeating or loss of appetite
- Thoughts of death and suicide
- Ongoing aches and pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease with treatment
Depression is treatable. If we successfully treat depression, we in turn will prevent many suicides. The most common treatments for depression are antidepressant medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy.) There is also a newer treatment option for depression called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) that does not involve any type of drugs or medication. TMS therapy is FDA approved and has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in treating major depressive disorder.
Almost everyone who dies by suicide has given some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like “You’ll be sorry when I’m dead,” or “I can’t see any way out,”—no matter how casually or jokingly said—may indicate serious suicidal feelings. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger because of thoughts of suicide, call 911 immediately. If there is no immediate danger but rather a need to talk to someone, call the national suicide prevention line at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Early detection for depression is extremely important because 80 percent of people who receive some form of treatment for depression can learn to manage the condition and live a fulfilling life. Recovery from depression may take time, but treatments are effective.
For more information on mental illness, TMS Therapy for depression, or Quotient Testing for ADHD diagnosis, please contact Anjum Bashir, MD at 217-422-0027. He is one of the few physicians in Central Illinois offering TMS Therapy and Quotient Testing. His Bloomington office is located at 205 N. Williamsburg, Suite D and he also has an office in Decatur. TMS therapy is covered by many insurance companies
including BCBS.
Sources upon request.