Take Time To Listen During The Holidays

Not for everyone is the holiday season a dreamy Norman Rockwell scene. For many who suffer from severe depression, beliefs of how the holidays “should be” only amplify their despair.

Last year, for the first time, the surgeon general declared suicide a serious public health threat. It’s the eighth-leading cause of death among Americans. In 1997, 30,000 lives were lost to suicide. White males over 65 are the mostly likely victims, but the statistics among young people are especially sobering.

The suicide rate among children ages 10-14 has doubled since 1980. For people age 15-24, the suicide rate has increased 300 percent in 30 years. In this age group, it’s the third-leading cause of death, following accidents and homicides. Within the accidental deaths category, headed by motor vehicle injuries, no other single category - not even drowning - comes close to the number of deaths caused by suicide.

According to a 1997 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five students had seriously considered attempting suicide during the preceding 12 months, and 16 percent had made a specific suicide plan. Girls were significantly more likely than boys to have considered suicide.

There is no typical suicide victim, but there are some common warning signs. These may include depression (watch for loss of appetite, feelings of worthlessness, change in sleep patterns); experiences with violence (i.e., sexual, domestic or child abuse); stress over a life event such as divorce; poor parent/child communication; loss of interest in favorite activities; neglect of personal appearance; and withdrawal from friends and family. Risk factors may include previous suicide attempts, family history of suicide, alcohol and/or drug use.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) offers advice to families and friends: Listen. Emphasize to the depressed person why his or her life is important to you and others, pointing out specifically why their death would be devastating. Acknowledge the reality of the person’s pain and feelings of hopelessness. Encourage her or him to talk to someone. Utilize community mental health resources. After all, depression can be treated. There’s hope.

Be alert to sudden cheerfulness after a long bout of depression, particularly if the person shows signs of putting affairs in order, such as giving away personal belongings. Restrict access to firearms. Talk of suicide must never be ignored or taken lightly. Suicide is a year-round concern, but for some people the holidays accentuate depression and feelings of isolation. Spring is another high-risk time for teenagers.

Mary Dietzen, a psychologist with Spokane Mental Health, points out: “Many teens want the emotional pain to stop. They don’t really want to die, but they don’t know of other alternatives.” Very often the alternative they need begins with one caring listener.