13 months ago
SACRAMENTO, CA - More than 32,000 people kill themselves each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And mental health experts expect those numbers increase because of the economy. "We're definitely seeing the numbers of suicides go up," said Dr. Debra Moore, Ph.D. "In the Great Depression we saw a spike. When the recovery came in the 40s we saw a decrease. We saw a decrease in the late 90s and early 2000s as the economy was booming. There's a correlation between the Dow Jones, the unemployment rates, the food stamp rates and suicides." While Moore said unemployment does not cause suicide on its own, the loss of a job, the loss of retirement savings, and the loss of a home are very high risk factors. "When several risk factors come together there's a perfect storm and people can feel a combination of shame, humiliation and despair," she said. Moore said individuals can take action to reduce their own level of distress by engaging in activities that relieve anxiety and emotional distress and focusing on managing areas in their lives where they have control. "Reach out and strengthen connections with family members and friends. Schedule time for healthy and relaxing activities," said Moore. "If you've lost your health insurance and can't get mental health treatment, you should seek help from your church or your family." Dr. James Margolis Ph.D., with Sutter Counseling Center said suicidal feelings are a dramatic reaction to severe depression, but he said many people in our communities are dealing with more common feelings of depression. "Everybody's depressed and everybody's hurting with the economic stuff and the housing problems," said Dr. Margolis. "The number one cause of depression is loss. When someone loses their job not only do they lose their income but for most people they lose their identity." Margolis said it's important for people to seek help. "Depression is a very serious disorder, and it's very treatable," he said. "Acute depression with some brief counseling and a few months of medication can be 100 percent treatable. It's when you let it go that it's a problem." This health tip is brought to you by Richard Bowdle, M.D. board-certified Psychiatrist and Medical Director of Sutter Center for Psychiatry. It's no wonder with the housing market collapsing, loss of jobs and plummeting stock market that people are going through an emotional rollercoaster. A poor economy affects everyone in some way which can leave people feeling depressed or anxious. While you may not be able to control the economy there are positive things you can do to help you and your family during this difficult time. Identify your financial stressors and make a plan - revisit your budget and look for ways to reduce expenses. If you are approaching retirement and your 401K has decreased in value, contact a financial advisor. Be tuned into what is going on but don't dwell on it - listen to the news, read the paper and monitor your investments but don't obsess over it and get caught up in negative conversations about the economy or look for people to blame. Dealing with anxiety and depression - resist the temptation to indulge in unhealthy activities such as smoking, drinking alcohol or drugs to make you feel better. During this difficult time you need to take extra care of your body which will help your mind and spirit feel better. Eat a healthy diet rich of fruit and vegetables and exercise - preferably outside in the fresh air. Connect with people - if you have been laid off, this is not the time to put your head in the sand. More than ever, this is the time when you need to network with family, friends and business contacts. Actively looking for a job will help you feel empowered. Focus on the positive - Instead of being disappointed about not going out to dinner as often, embrace the opportunity to try new recipes. If you're quitting the gym as part of your action plan to reduce expenses maybe you and a friend can enjoy bike riding together. There is even a silver lining to being laid off - you can spend more quality time with your family. If depression or anxiety continues for a lengthy period of time or worsens, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a therapist. According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center: - Males are four times as likely to die by suicide than as females - although females attempt suicide three times as often as males. - White Americans are more likely to die by suicide than Americans of other racial backgrounds. - Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among Americans between the ages of 15-24 and the second-leading cause of death among those between the ages of 25-34. - Suicide rates increase with age. Elderly people who die by suicide are often divorced or widowed and suffering from a physical illness. Suicide Warning Signs: Call 911 or seek immediate help from a mental health provider when you hear, or see any of these behaviors: - Someone threatening to hurt or kill him/herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself - Someone looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means - Someone talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person Seek help by contacting a mental health professional or calling 1 (800) 273-TALK for a referral if you should witness, hear, or see anyone exhibiting any one or more of these behaviors: - Hopelessness - Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge - Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking - Feeling trapped - like there's no way out - Increased alcohol or drug use - Withdrawing from friends, family and society - Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time - Dramatic mood changes National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255)
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