"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, ... to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve ... to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." Isaiah 61:1-3

The number one cause of suicide is untreated depression. A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the whole body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person feels about oneself and the way one thinks about things. The taking of one's own life tragically demonstrates the terrible psychological pain experienced by a person who has lost all hope — a person who is no longer able to cope with day to day activities – a person who feels there is no solution to their problem — a person who wants to end the pain by ending their own life.

Much of this kind of suffering is unnecessary. Depression is treatable and as a result, suicide is preventable.

DANGER SIGNS OF SUICIDE

A suicidal person urgently needs to see a doctor or mental health service provider. Here are some warning signs you should know about.

• Talk about suicide
• Statements about hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness.
• Preoccupation with death.
• Suddenly happier, calmer.
• Loss of interest in things one cares about.
• Unusual visiting or calling people one cares about.
• Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order.
• Giving things away.

Love yourself or a friend enough not to keep thoughts of suicide a secret. If you or a friend are thinking of ending the pain by ending your life, talk to your family, friends or other special people in your life. They can help you find solutions to your problems and see ways to cope with your pain without ending your life. Help is just a phone call away: 1.800.SUICIDE (784-2433) the National Hopeline Network. www.hopeline.com.

Source: The National Hopeline Network.