Who is at Risk for Suicide?

 Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. However, there are some groups of people who are at higher risk for suicide than others.

Gender

Men are four times more likely than women to die by suicide. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including the fact that men are more likely to use lethal means in their suicide attempts and that they are less likely to seek help for mental health problems.

Age

Suicide is very rare in children, but the risk increases dramatically during adolescence and young adulthood. The highest rates of suicide are seen in people aged 15-24. The risk of suicide then declines somewhat in midlife, before increasing again in older adulthood.

Race and ethnicity

White people are more likely to die by suicide than people of other races and ethnicities. This is particularly true for white men

Mental health conditions

Mental health conditions are a major risk factor for suicide. People with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions are more likely to attempt or die by suicide.

Substance abuse

People who abuse alcohol or drugs are also at increased risk for suicide. This is because substance abuse can lead to problems in other areas of life, such as relationships, finances, and employment. These problems can make it more difficult to cope with stress and can increase the risk of suicide.

History of suicide attempts

People who have attempted suicide in the past are more likely to attempt or die by suicide in the future. This is why it is so important to get help for suicidal thoughts and behaviors as soon as possible.

Exposure to trauma

People who have experienced trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or violence, are also at increased risk for suicide. This is because trauma can lead to problems with mental health, substance abuse, and interpersonal relationships. These problems can make it more difficult to cope with stress and can increase the risk of suicide.

Lack of social support

People who feel isolated and alone are more likely to attempt or die by suicide. This is because social support can help people to cope with stress and to feel connected to others. If you are feeling isolated or alone, it is important to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be at risk for suicide, please reach out for help. There are many resources available, including:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

The Jed Foundation: https://www.jedfoundation.org/

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/

References

 Hooley, Jill, M.,et al. Abnormal Psychology. Available from: VitalSource Bookshelf, (18th   Edition). Pearson Education (US), 2019.

 Grief and Loss: The Normal and the Not-So-Normal

Grief is a natural and necessary process that we all go through when we lose someone we love. It is a complex emotion that can be expressed in many different ways, both physically and emotionally.

The grieving process typically follows a predictable pattern, with four distinct phases:

1. Numbing and disbelief: In the immediate aftermath of a loss, it is common to feel numb and disbelief. This is a way of coping with the overwhelming pain of loss.
2. Yearning and searching: As the numbness begins to wear off, we may start to feel an intense longing for the person we have lost. We may also experience vivid memories of them and find ourselves searching for them in familiar places.
3. Disorganization and despair: This phase is often characterized by feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, and despair. We may feel like our world has been turned upside down and we may have difficulty functioning in our daily lives.
4. Reorganization: This is the final phase of grief when we begin to rebuild our lives and find new meaning in our existence. We may still experience sadness and longing, but we will also be able to appreciate the good times we had with the person we lost and move forward with our lives.

It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Everyone experiences grief differently and at their own pace. There is no set timeline for how long grief should last. Some people may start to feel better within a few months, while others may take years to fully heal.

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, it is important to reach out for support. Talk to your friends and family, join a grief support group, or seek professional help from a therapist. There is no shame in seeking help during this difficult time.

It is also important to be patient with yourself. Grief is a process and it takes time to heal. Don't expect to feel better overnight. Just focus on taking things one day at a time and allow yourself to grieve in your own way.

Resilience in the Face of Loss

Not everyone who experiences loss develops depression. In fact, about 50 percent of people who lose a spouse, life partner, or parent exhibit genuine resilience in the face of loss, with minimal, very short-lived symptoms of depression or bereavement.

These resilient individuals are not emotionally maladjusted or unattached to their spouses. In fact, they are often very close to their loved ones and feel the loss deeply. However, they are able to cope with the loss in a healthy way. They may find comfort in their faith, their relationships with other people, or their hobbies. They may also find strength in their own inner resources.

If you are struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one, it is important to know that you are not alone. There are many people who have successfully navigated the grieving process and come out stronger on the other side. With time, support, and self-care, you can too.

References

 Hooley, J. M., Nock, M. K., & Butcher, J. N. (2019). Abnormal Psychology (18th ed.). Pearson

                 Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135191033

 Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): What You Need to Know

 

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), formerly called dysthymic disorder or dysthymia, is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent low mood that lasts for at least two years. People with PDD may also experience other symptoms, such as low energy, poor concentration, and feelings of hopelessness.

PDD is a chronic condition, but it is treatable. With the right treatment, people with PDD can learn to manage their symptoms and live full and productive lives.

What are the symptoms of PDD?

The main symptom of PDD is a persistent low mood. This mood may be described as feeling sad, down, or hopeless. People with PDD may also experience:

1. Low energy
2. Poor concentration
3. Difficulty making decisions
4. Low self-esteem
5. Feelings of hopelessness
6. Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
7. Sleep disturbances (either insomnia or hypersomnia)
8. Changes in appetite (either weight loss or weight gain)
9. Fatigue
10. Aches and pains
11. Thoughts of death or suicide

How is PDD diagnosed?

PDD is diagnosed by a mental health professional. The diagnosis is based on a review of the person's symptoms and medical history. The professional will also rule out other possible causes of the symptoms, such as a medical condition or substance abuse.
What are the treatments for PDD? PDD is a treatable condition. There are a variety of treatment options available, including:

1. 
   Medication: There are a number of medications that can be effective in treating PDD. These medications typically take several weeks to start working, and they may need to be adjusted over time.
2. Therapy: Therapy can be helpful for people with PDD. There are a number of different types of therapy that can be effective, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT).
3. Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your lifestyle can also help to manage the symptoms of PDD. These changes may include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.

What is the outlook for people with PDD?

The outlook for people with PDD is good. With the right treatment, people with PDD can learn to manage their symptoms and live full and productive lives. However, PDD is a chronic condition, and there is always a risk of relapse.
If you think you may have PDD, it is important to see a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment. With the right help, you can live a happy and fulfilling life.

References

 Hooley, J. M., Nock, M. K., & Butcher, J. N. (2019). Abnormal Psychology (18th ed.). Pearson  Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135191033