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SALT LAKE CITY — The world of health and medicine can be confusing to many parents. But Nurse Suzy is here to help clarify some of the issues that are important to you and your family.
Question:
What are some signs to alert you a family member or friend may be thinking of suicide?
Answer:
While it’s true the cold, dark winter months make some people more sad and depressed, you might be surprised to learn it is in the early spring when most suicides or suicide attempts happen.
A recent study conducted by Australian researchers showed, over a 10-month period, suicide rates peaked during the spring and summer and fell to their lowest level during the winter months. “Suicide rates appeared to increase with increasing hours of daylight, and showed no connection to other meteorological factors such as changing temperature and rainfall,” a report from PreventDisease.com states.
MedicineNet.com lists the following as warning signs a person is planning to kill themselves:
- making a will
- getting his or her affairs in order
- suddenly visiting friends or family members
- a sudden and significant decline or improvement in mood
- writing a suicide note
For some people, a recent heart attack or heart surgery makes them more likely to become depressed. Any kind of anesthesia may cause anxiety and/or depression.
Most people who commit suicide suffer from severe anxiety or depression. For some people, a recent heart attack or heart surgery makes them more likely to become depressed. Any kind of anesthesia may cause anxiety and/or depression. If you notice a family member or friend feeling anxious or depressed following surgery, consult his or her doctor about ways to treat the disorders.
It's also important to note that suicidal people typically do not confide in anyone about their plans for suicide. “Since suicidal behaviors are often quite impulsive,” a MedicineNet.com report states, “removing guns, medications, knives, and other instruments people often use to kill themselves from the immediate environment can allow the individual time to think more clearly and perhaps choose a more rational way of coping with their pain.”
In Utah, we have the highest rate of suicide in the nation. Contributing to that number, Utah is also the highest ranked state for prescription drug abuse. We also have a strong religious community that many feel will not accept them if they are not perfect in every way.
Sometimes professionals assess suicide risk by using the SAD PERSONS Scale, which identifies risk factors for suicide as follows:
- Sex (typically male)
- Age (younger than 19 or older than 45 years of age)
- Depression (severe enough to be considered clinically significant)
- Previous suicide attempt (or has received mental health services of any kind)
- Excessive alcohol or other drug abuse
- Rational thinking lost
- Separated, divorced, or widowed (or other ending of significant relationship)
- Organized suicide plan or serious attempt
- No or little social support
- Sickness or chronic medical illness
Ask Nurse Suzy
Do you have a question for Nurse Suzy, or maybe a topic you'd like her opinion on? Email her at <a href="mailto:nursesuzyksl@gmail.com">nursesuzyksl@gmail.com</a>.
Recently, Utah has seen a decrease in the number of accidental overdoses, mainly because they are preventable and people are paying attention. But realize that if you are more concerned about your pain medication than anything else in your life, you have a drug problem. If you are more concerned about anxiety or sleep medication than family, you have a drug problem.
Many people coming off drugs are very susceptible to accidental overdose. If they take a one-time dose as strong as those they were used to taking when they came off drugs, their body can’t handle it anymore. As nurses, we often hear "they were just starting to clean up their life.”
Please pay attention to your loved ones' moods, behaviors and habits. Please seek help if you find yourself thinking death is better than life: IT IS NOT! And please, if you have a substance abuse problem – whether prescription or illegal – have a conversation with a medical professional about how to safely get off the drugs.
If you’re contemplating using an antidepressant or antianxiety medication, know that time will not make your thoughts better. You may just need the medication to help you. And remember, if you are started on an antidepressant it will take up to six weeks to work.
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Written by Suzanne Carlile with contributions from Jordan Ormond.
Suzanne Carlile, "Nurse Suzy," has been a nurse since 1982. Her main focus is critical care and nursing education. She holds a master's degree in nursing, is a Certified Emergency Nurse, and a member of NNSDO Intermountain West Chapter.
