In Loving Memory of Kristin Danielle Helms June 5, 1990 - July 16, 2006

Depression & Suicide Prevention

There is a destructive stigma in society regarding suicide. The stigma prevents life saving discussions when a friend, acquaintance, co-worker or family member passes away by their own hand. Most keep the cause of death hidden if possible, and would rather claim that a death was accidental. Shockingly, family members of deceased individuals reported in the media appear to prefer that their loved one overdosed on a mix 7 different drugs, rather than admit that suicide was the cause of death. DEPRESSION is a very lethal mental disorder and all should be alert and alarmed if a loved one falls into this very dangerous condition. Statistics illustrate that 15 out of 100 depressed individuals take their own lives, and approximately 20-25 attempt and fail for every completed suicide. Unfortunately, depression is not commonly linked to death by suicide in the minds of most in society. A growing awareness of why people die by suicide is imperative. Most do not realize that more than 90% of those who take their own lives suffer from a mental disorder with the majority suffering from depression. Open discussion in society would release the flow of knowledge necessary to create a more widespread understanding which would produce a sharper awareness and attention to the danger signs that someone is at risk. Suicide is the number 3 killer of teens and young people ages 15-24, behind accidents and homicide. The number of completed suicides of all ages in the United States from the year 2000-2005 is 188,187, and totals approximately 6 million worldwide in 6 years.

Statistics indicate that 80% of those depressed are treatable with medication and therapy, therefore information is provided here in the effort to help others see clearly the signs of a pending suicide, before it happens. If a teen on a change of medication for depression becomes more irritable, agitated, and moody, seek medical attention immediately.

"Depression Creates Feelings of Isolation & Loneliness"
Photo By Danielle Helms

Kristin fell into a deep depression in May of 2006, 5 months after being molested by an Internet predator. She suffered in silence as she did not divulge details of the molestation until June 4, 2006, but the signs of depression she displayed were indisputable. Kristin received medical attention and medication which brought about an improved mental condition until a new psychiatrist was seen and medications were switched 6 days before her death. We were told that Kristin could resume "behind the wheel drivers training," rather than to keep her with us like a 2 year old for a few weeks until the new medication has settled in her system. On July 16, 2006 our precious daughter took her own life. The catastrophic grief that results is indescribably painful. The loss of a child by suicide creates constant and continuous suffering and never ending anguish. In Kristin's name there is a strong, passionate and resounding voice to warn others of the lethal and dangerous condition one is in when suffering from depression, and to speak up against and break the damaging and ridiculous stigma of suicide that keeps vital and life saving information from being common knowledge.

ALARMING STATISTICS ON TEENAGE DEPRESSION

Statistics indicate that teen depression is a common problem:

About 20 percent of teens will experience teen depression before they reach adulthood.
Between 10 to 15 percent of teenagers have some symptoms of teen depression at any one time.
5 percent of teens are suffering from major depression at any one time.
As many as 8.3 percent of teens suffer from depression for at least a year at a time, compared to about 5.3 percent of the general population.
Most teens with depression will suffer from more than one episode. Approximately 20 to 40 percent will have more than one episode within two years, and 70 percent will have more than one episode before adulthood. Episodes of depression in teens generally last about 8 months.

Teen depression can affect a teen regardless of gender, social background, income level, race, or achievements. Research indicates that teenage girls report suffering from depression more often than teenage boys, while teenage boys are less likely to seek help or recognize that they suffer from depression. In general, teenage girl's have an increased risk of depression being triggered by social factors, such as loss of friends, boyfriends and other personal relationships.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TEEN DEPRESSION

Sadness or hopelessness
Irritability, anger, or hostility
Tearfulness or frequent crying
Withdrawal from friends and family
Loss of interest in activities
Changes in eating and sleeping habits
Restlessness and agitation
Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
Fatigue or lack of energy/moving slowly
Difficulty concentrating

When a teen commits suicide, many are impacted. Friends, family, teammates, neighbors, and sometimes even those who didn't know the teen well might experience feelings of grief, confusion. They sense that if only they had done something differently, the suicide could have been prevented. Many neighbors expressed these precise feelings, after our Kristin's passing.

WHICH KIDS ARE AT RISK FOR SUICIDE?

The presence of a psychological disorder, especially depression, bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drug use
Feelings of distress, irritability, or agitation
Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
A previous suicide attempt
A family history of depression or suicide (some teens may be predisposed to suffer major depression genetically)
Having suffered physical or sexual abuse
Environments stresses

SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS IN TEENAGERS

An alarming and increasing number of teenagers attempt and succeed at suicide. Because of the very real danger of suicide, teenagers who are depressed should be watched closely for any signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Suicide among teens often occurs following a stressful life event, such as bullying at school, a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, the death of a loved one, a divorce, or a major family conflict. It is also probable for a suicide to occur without any obvious triggers.

The warning signs include:

Joking or talking about suicide
Speaking about death or romanticizing dying
Writing stories or creating art regarding death, dying, or suicide
Engaging in reckless behavior or experiencing numerous injuries
Giving away endeared possessions
Saying goodbye to friends and family as if permanent
Seeking out weapons, pills, or other means to take one's life
Talk about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty
Pull away from friends or family
Loss of desire to take part in favorite things or activities
Trouble concentrating
Changes in eating or sleeping habits destructive behaviors -(alcohol, drugs, or driving fast, etc.)

TEENS ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS:

Red Flags To Watch Out For - Call a doctor if you notice:

New or more thoughts of suicide
Trying to commit suicide
New or worse depression
New or worse anxiety
Feeling very agitated or restless
Panic attacks
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
New or worse irritability
Acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
Acting on dangerous impulses
Being extremely hyperactive in actions / talking
Other unusual changes in behavior
Source: FDA

If you are in crisis call: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION - http://www.afsp.org/