Suicide
Intervention & Prevention
While suicide is a very difficult topic to discuss, it is one that goes hand in hand when addressing the concerns of bullying. Although, as the mental health stigma decreases, the topic of depression and suicide will be brought to the surface more as well as a possible increase of funding for additional prevention programs. One of the main sources for mental health promotion is actually within pop culture. Over the last few years, mental health issues have been continued to be addressed by professional athletes such as Kevin Love, as well as other celebrities like,
Logic and Mariah Carey. While it is disappointing that the majority of our culture is dictated off of famous individuals, that is the reality that we have to face and accept. With more attention drawn to the situation, we can only hope that more funding and resources will be supplied to those in need of it.
"Each year, more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of loss. In many cases, friends and families affected by a suicide loss (often called "suicide loss survivors") are left in the dark." (Staff, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, 2018)
A recent research study at the University of South Alabama was observing sex differences in bullying along with associations to suicide ideation/attempts. After observing the results, the research did notice a handful of significant correlations in a separate area.
Their results indicated that the males within the study who noted that they experienced physical bullying had an increased response in depressive symptoms. Both females and males who noted they received verbal or social bullying were more likely to report depressive symptoms.
And lastly, the females who reported previous cyberbullying experiences were also more likely to report depressive symptoms, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts. (Williams, S. 2017)
Speak Up & Reach Out
Risk Factors & Warning Signs
Similar to bullying, there are several risk factors along with warning signs that can help prevent a possible suicide. The ASFP or America Foundation for Suicide Prevention does a fantastic job of laying out the factors to keep in mind when you believe a loved one is considering suicide. While there is not one specific experience that can cause suicide, there certainly are certain stressors that may lead to an increased likelihood. For example, depression is one of the most common and likely diagnosis that are associated with suicide.
According to ASFP, suicide warning signs can effectively be broken up into three categories, talk, behavior, and mood.
Talk - Common signs for the talk warning signs are hopeless statements, mention of feeling trapped, and/or not having a reason to live.
Behavior - In regards to behavior, it is common for an increased use of drug or alcohol use in order to decrease any pain the individual is feeling. Other signs are fatigue or sleeping too much as well as aggression.
Mood - For the last category, one or multiple of these signs may be showing at the same time. The emotions can range from depression, anxiety, rage, etc.
Similarly to warning signs, risk factors were also broken up into three categories: health factors, environmental factors, and historical factors.
Health Factors: A family history of depression, schizophrenia, or other mental health conditions.
Environmental Factors: If the individual is experiencing any forms of bullying or victimization, prolonged stress, or exposure to graphic events.
Historical Factors: Any previous history of suicide attempts, childhood abuse, or trauma. (Staff, Risk Factors and Warning Signs, 2018)
 |  |
|---|