...Suicide Factors Suicide is the act committed by a person towards himself with the aim of ending his own life. It is a distressing phenomenon, which brings negative effect on the close relatives and friends. There are a lot of factors, which may lead to committing suicide. In this case, depression may be one of the most powerful causes for an individual to harm himself. Thus, one may regard the suicide to be the perfect way out of pain and suffering. Besides, global assessment done by World Health Organization, stated that the rate of suicide has risen since 1950, as much as 268 per cent among young males from 15 to 24 years (Perlman, Neufeld, Martin, Goy, Hirdes, Neufeld, Martin, Goy & Hirdes). Therefore, the suicide risk assessment is used in order to learn more about the person, about their needs and stressors. There are various kinds of assessments, including quizzes and questionnaires. Additionally, I have found the suicide risk assessment developed by Sandra Cushing and Susan Boyd, and identified the chief risk factors. When analyzing the assessment, I concluded that among them there are those factors specific to depression, for instance, family history and mental disorder, severe depression, history of previous attempts to commit suicide, anxiety, feeling of loneliness and hopelessness, suicidal intention and plan, command hallucinations, homicidal thoughts. Among other factors for consideration there were also family history of suicide, physical illness, different...
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...TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Definition of adolescence and adolescent depression 2 2. Adolescent depressive symptoms 4 3. Problems with diagnosis of depression in adolescents 4 4. Gender factors that may play a role in assessing depression 6 5. Contextual factors that may play a role in assessing depression 8 6. Suicide 9 ‘Like anyone else, I have always had times when I felt deeply depressed, but this was something altogether new in my experience – a despairing, unchanging paralysis of the spirit beyond anything I had ever known or imagined could exist.’ The author William Styron (1990). (Kring, Johnson, Davison & Neale 2012:132) 1. Definition of adolescence and adolescent depression Adolescence is the period of development marked at the beginning by the onset of puberty and at the end by the attainment of physiological or psychological maturity (Reber, Allen & Reber 2009). It is a period of transition from childhood into adulthood, involving changes in physical development, cognitive abilities, emotional adjustment and self esteem. Adolescence is a time of acute stress. It is a period of social sorting and identity formation. Erikson described development that occurs throughout the lifespan in his theory of psychosocial development. During the adolescent period, which Erikson called ‘Identity vs Role confusion’, adolescents need to develop a sense of self and personal identity...
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...Suicide Among the Elderly: Symptoms that are ignored University of California, Irvine Professor Webster P117D November 27, 2007 Suicide among the elderly: Symptoms that are ignored More than 30,000 Americans every year commit suicide. A suicide happens every eighteen minutes. The highest rate of suicide of any age group occurs among the elderly. The elderly make up 12.6% of the population, yet they account for almost 18% of all the suicides. An elderly suicide occurs every 100 minutes. Suicide ranks as the eighth leading cause of death among those aged 65 and older (Noffsinger, Knoll). Firearms consist of the main method in which the elderly take their lives. The next two in line are overdosing and suffocation. White men over the age of 85 are at the greatest risk of all groups. In 1999, the suicide rate for these individuals was 59.6 per 100,000. 84% of all elderly suicides are men. The rate of suicide for women declines after age 60. Although older adults may attempt suicide less often, they have a higher completion rate. Contrary to popular belief, only about 2-4% of suicide victims were diagnosed with terminal illness at the time of their demise. 80% of all elderly victims of suicide have seen a primary care physician within six months of their suicide. Why is it that the suicide rates for older adults are much higher than every other age group? Depression is a key factor for the rates of suicide in the elderly. Depression is...
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...Musician Suicide Ross A. Hudson Bryant University Suicide is an ongoing issue is society today. Every day, individuals take their own lives when the struggles of life become too much as well as a number of other reasons. But while to the general public suicide is a big enough problem, it seems to be only a bigger problem when it comes to musicians and other celebrities. one of the most famous cases happened 20 years ago when lead singer of Nirvana Kurt Cobain took his own life, leaving many fans and psychologists wondering why. It’s a phenomenon that has many questioning if there is a positive correlation between being a musicians and being prone to committing suicide as well as the reasons why. In Sheila M. Eldred’s article “Why Are Musicians More Prone to Suicide?” she looks at a theory proposed by Steve Stack, a suicidal researcher, and Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer of Suicide Prevention, for the answer. Eldred starts the article with the example of Kurt Cobain, a famous musician who committed suicide in his Seattle home in 1994. She mentions that Cobain himself admitted he needed to resort to drugs to keep him going near the end of his life. She goes on to introduce Steve Stack, the director of the center for Suicide Research at Wayne State University, who has been working on his research for eight years. He found that the suicide rates of musicians are about three times more than the overall statistic. While Stack's claims slightly conflict with other rations...
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...What is Depression? Depression is a medical illness that causes a constant feeling of hopelessness and lack of interest. Depression affects how the person feels, behaves and thinks. This can lead to emotional and physical problems. Typically, people with depression find it hard to go about their day-to-day activities, and may also feel that life is not worth living. However, depression is not uniform. Signs and symptoms may be experienced by some sufferers and not by others. How severe the symptoms are, and how long they last depends on the individual person and their illness. Warning signs include symptoms such as: constant feeling of sadness, anxiety, and emptiness , a general feeling of pessimism, feelings of restlessness or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, low energy or fatigue, disturbed sleep patterns, and in extreme cases suicidal thoughts. Many people are ashamed to ask for help because they are afraid of what other people might think. However, depression is a common illness for which there are many treatments. Types of Depression There are many different types of depression. Events in your life can trigger some, while others are caused by chemical changes in your brain. A few examples include: Major Depression, in which you feel depressed most of the time for most days of the week. Bipolar depression, in which you have high and low extremes. During the low phase, patients have the symptoms of major depression, while in the high phase they exhibit mania...
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...December 2012 Depression Stressful events, situations, and trauma can trigger anger and anxiety which can lead to depression. Unresolved stress can affect an individual’s mental, physical, and spiritual being (Seward, 128). Depression does not discriminate; thus, individuals of any age, gender, race, or socio-economic class can suffer from the ill effects of depression. Depression is not simply something made up in an individual’s head; contrarily, it is a common, but serious illness which can lead to death if its symptoms are disregarded, and treatment is not sought (Mayo Clinic Staff). “Depression is the silent face of stress (Seward, 128). Everyone can feel “blue” or “down-in-the dumps” from time to time, but persistent sadness or hopelessness is a red flag for depression. People with depression do not all experience the same symptoms; as well, the severity, frequency, and duration of their symptoms are individualized (Treatment Works). Accordingly, symptoms include feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, irritability, and restlessness. Also, an individual may experience a loss of interest in activities, hobbies, and sexual relations. Furthermore, fatigue and decreased energy may be noted, and concentration, remembering details, and making decisions become difficult. Additionally, insomnia, excessive sleeping, overeating or appetite loss may be apparent, along with persistent aches, pains and digestive problems. Finally, thoughts of suicide and suicide attempts can...
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...In America the rates of suicide among the elderly aged 65 and older has continued to increase. Unassisted suicide is defined as a decision that is usually made in isolation by an individual who is often suffering from depression. Suicide has been prevalent throughout history. There are up to nine references about suicide in the Old Testament. The risks and the number of suicides increase more among the elderly aged 85 and older. The majority of the incidences occur due to the mental health issues of the individual. An obstacle faced by mental health professionals in reaching this group is that older adults usually prefer not to seek treatment for their mental health problems. The elderly are the fastest growing portion of the population,...
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...Depression: Silent killer Miriam Webster’s dictionary definition of the word depression is “a psychotic disorder marked by sadness, inactivity, and difficulty in thinking and concentration”. More than 21 million people in America suffer from this disorder. It is the cause of disabilities, illnesses, (such as insomnia, chronic pain and cancer), more than 30,000 million suicides in the U.S each year and is responsible for lost productive time owing to about $31 billion per year. According to studies, depression is found mostly in people between the ages of 15-44. Those suffering from depression report having felt guilty, alone, and worthless in a days event. It leaves those suffering with an impaired concentration, indecisiveness and restlessness. Amongst these many symptoms, depression may also cause a loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, such as spending time with loved ones, extracurricular activities and even sex, overeating or appetite loss and thoughts of suicide or attempts at suicide. Depression is a chronic disorder that over 20 million Americans face daily. It is a quiet illness and a silent killer. Depression is consuming and though treatable, many people are found victims to this disorder. It is a disability than can be cured and conquered, yet many find the idea of receiving help for such an issue “ludicrous” or “ridiculous”. Treatments include psychosocial treatment and medication. However, less than half of those suffering receive proper...
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...The social problem that concerns our group is suicide. Suicide is the act of killing one self intentionally. It is often committed out of despair, the cause of which is frequently attributed to a mental disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder and drug abuse. Efforts to prevent suicide include limiting access to firearms, treating mental illness and drug misuse, and improving economic development. Suicide is a troubling topic that most of us would rather not deal with, but suicide is a reality, and it is more common than we would like to think. Most people who attempt suicide are ambivalent about taking their own life, however circumstances make them feel that life is unbearable. Suicide seems like the only way to deal with their problems because they have an extreme sense of hopelessness, helplessness and depression. Some of the factors that may lead a person to attempt suicide are feelings of isolation, having a serious physical illness, experiencing a major loss, abuse of drugs or alcohol, experiencing major changes in life, post-partum depression, history of child abuse, living in a violent relationship. Depression leads people to focus mostly on failures and disappointments, to emphasise their negative side of their situations. It also effects a person thoughts in such a way that the person doesn’t see when a problem can be overcome. Bipolar disorder are also more at risk for suicide because their condition can cause them to go through times when...
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...correlations between depression and psychological abuse rather than physical abuse, supporting a link between sense of self and depression in abusive relationships. Jack and Dill (1992) also observed that depressed women reported ―a loss of self‖ either they were with the history of domestic violence or not. Findings of another study indicated that physical and psychological violence by close family members is very common and leading to intimidation, emotional trauma, continued depression, suicidal ideations, and suicidal attempts among women (Sheikh, 2000). Women with the history of domestic violence are fatally depressed and demeaned by their abuser, there seems to be...
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...Suicide: Teenagers Suicidal Behavior A Research Paper Presented to: Mrs. Maria Elena R. Maniego St. Joseph College- Olongapo, Inc. Olongapo City In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement in English IV By: Ma. Theressa C. Guevarra IV- Hope March 4, 2013 Acknowledgement: She would like to acknowledge and extend my heartfelt gratitude to the following persons who have made the completion of this Subject Matter: Our Principal Mrs. Imelda T. Lampazo, for her vital encouragement and support to her scholarship being a Student- Assistant. Our Assistant Principal Mr. Arsenio Ladiero, for her understanding and assistance and. Mrs. Maria Elena R. Maniego for the constant reminders that she gave to her and much needed motivation. Mrs. Loreta Merza for the help and inspiration he extended. All English Department, faculty members and Staff. The section of Four Hope 2012-2013 for assisting in the collection of the topics for the chapters. Most especially to my family and friends and to God, who made all things possible and make me confident to this. TABLE OF CONTENTS * ACKNOWLEDGEMENT * CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION A.) Statement of the problem B.) Importance of the study C.) Scope and limitation D.) Definition of terms * CHAPTER...
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...Teenage depression is a problem all over the world, and can affect any family with children. Teenage depression is sometimes ignored as many parents and guardians do not notice the signs and symptoms. Signs of teenage depression include: 1. Withdrawal from friends and family members 2. Trouble in romantic relationships, if any exists 3. Difficulty getting along with others, even their peers 4. Anger or hostility 5. Sadness or frequent crying 6. Loss of interest in their activities and hobbies Many factors also contribute to the development of teenage depression. Some of these factors are: 1. Being a victim of violence or abuse 2. Having other family members who have committed suicide 3. Having a dysfunctional family 4. Living in a stressful environment 5. Have a disability or disorder that significantly affects one's life Nurses may also have to intervene when they suspect that an adolescent is depressed. Nurses could establish some sort of positive and comfortable relationship with the adolescent so that they can share their story. The nurse can use this information to determine how severe the depression is, and what kind of action they can take to solve the issue. In terms of primary health prevention, parents should be informed about the signs and factors that lead to depression so that they can try to help as early as they possibly can. In terms of secondary health prevention, the adolescent's depression should be analyzed so that it can be treated...
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...Major Depression and Suicide Kathy Lightsey AB200 Introduction to Applied Behavioral Science Carol Abraham Nov. 03, 2014 Major Depression and Suicide The word depression is used for a wide range of mental states. On one side are passing moods of disappointments, regrets, or anxiety that almost everyone experience one time or another. On the other side there are symptoms which are described by many psychiatrists as clinical depression. This is a lingering feeling of despair that last for weeks at a time. Normally when a doctor or psychiatrists make a diagnosis of clinical depression is when a person suffers from most or all of a group of symptoms for longer than two weeks. Depression is the common cold of psychological problems. People with the run-of-the-mill depression may feel sad, blue, or “down in the dumps.” They may complain of lack of energy, loss of self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in activities, and other people ( Nezlek et al., 2000), uncontrollable crying, and thoughts of suicide. These feelings are more intense in people such as Joe in our course case study with major depressive disorder (MDD). According to the nationally representative sample of more than 9,000 adults in the United States, MDD affected 6% to 7% of the people within any given year, and one person in six over the course of their lives (Kessler, 2003). About half of those with MDD experience sever symptoms such poor appetite, serious weight loss, and agitation or psychomotor...
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...Depression is a mood disorder in which a person’s feelings of sadness, frustration, anger, and grief interfere with their everyday life and those around them. Typically, depression lasts for a long period of time, which is what distinguishes it from the ‘blues’, which usually lasts a couple days. While clinical depression is common, it is a very serious disease that can lead to problems at home and school, drug-abuse, self-hate, and suicide if left untreated. Symptoms of clinical depression include irritability for most of the day, loss of pleasure in hobbies, trouble sleeping or oversleeping, change in appetite, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, lack of concentration, constantly having negative thoughts, and thoughts of suicide. While most of these symptoms are experienced by everyone once in a while, the amount, length, and strength of them is what determines depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 90% of people who die by suicide are depressed, have a mental disorder, or a substance-abuse problem. Most suicidal individuals give signs of their intentions. These warning signs include, talking about suicide, no hope in the future, self-hate, writing a will, getting rid of most of their belongings out of nowhere, saying goodbye, self-destructive behavior, withdrawing from society, and having a sudden sense of calm. If you see someone with any of these signs, speak up and respond quickly. Offer help and support to the individual. Most likely...
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...that 11% reported they had been diagnosed with or treated for depression within the past year. Further, 22% had experienced depression in the past 12 months; among those endorsing depression, 39% said that it has affected their academic performance (American College Health Association, 2013). Other research further supports that depression is a significant predictor of both lower grade point average and higher probability of drop- ping out (Eisenberg, Golberstein, & Hunt, 2009). National surveys show that a substantial minority of college students report depression (Eisenberg, Gollust, Golberstein, & Hefner, 2007; National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2012). The 2012 report from the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors indicated that 95% of counseling center directors believe that psychological problems are a growing concern and that depression is one of the most prevalent concerns with 36% of college students affected (Mistler, Reetz, Krylowicz, & Barr, 2012). Depression is caused by a number of risk factors such as, family history, physical illness, medication and ethnicity. Some types of depression tend to run in families. However, depression can occur in people without family histories of depression too. Scientists are now studying certain genes that may make some people more prone to depression than others. Some genetics research indicates that the risk for depression results from the influence of several genes acting together with...
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