Suicide Prevention

An honest discussion about suicide and suicide prevention...

Suicide is a topic that many people don't like to think about let alone talk about.  But unfortunately suicidal tendencies may be more prevalent among some individuals with special needs.  Caregivers are also at a higher risk for both depression and suicidal thoughts.  Stress, frustration, and a lack of support can increase feelings of hopelessness and despair.  This is why it is is imperative to recognize any early warning signs of depression or suicidal tendencies in your child and yourself so that you can take preventive action. 

Here are some sobering statistics about suicide among the special needs population and among caregivers:

  • The International Center for Autism Research and Education cites the high risk of depression and suicidal tendencies among individuals on the autism spectrum:   "The National Autistic Society (NAS), in England has conducted studies linking autism and depression. A major report in 2001 found that 56% had suffered with depression and 8% felt suicidal or had attempted suicide."

  • The risk of suicide for bipolar patients can be as high as 20%.  And according to the University of Maryland Medical Center this risk can be even higher for children and teens diagnosed with this disorder:  "Many pre- and early adolescent children with bipolar disorder are more severely ill than are adults with the disease, and the risk for suicide is high. They have a higher risk for mixed mania, multiple and frequent cycles, and a long duration of illness without well periods."

  • In 2010 one study found that children with ADHD were four times as likely as their peers without an ADHD diagnosis to become depressed and attempt suicide in later childhood.

  • There are many studies to suggest that children and teens with learning disabilities are at an increased risk for suicidal behaviors.  One such study reported in 2006 that teens with reading difficulties were 3 times more likely than their peers without a learning disability, to consider or attempt suicide. 

  • The Interactive Autism Network explains how having a child with special needs can place considerable stress upon parents and especially mothers.  They also note that:  "Studies have found both parents of children with ASDs and the children with ASDs themselves are more prone to major depressive disorder than other parents and children." 

  • Thrive Magazine cites even more alarming statistics about caregivers of children having special needs.  They state that 40-70% of family caregivers show clinically significant symptoms of depression.  And according to a report published in the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, mothers of children having autism had the highest rates of depression.

    So all of this seems like dire news.  But one positive thing to remember is that both depression and suicide can be prevented.  The key is to recognize the warning signs. The manifestation of depressive symptoms can be unique and varied for each individual, especially when you are talking about a child or teen with special needs and/or multiple diagnoses.  Here is a rough guideline of signs and symptoms to note, indicating that depression may be present.

    Warning Signs of Depression

    The National Institutes of Mental Health describe the following as possible symptoms of clinical depression.  If you find that you or your child exhibit several or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it is advisable that you seek the help of a mental health professional. 

  • Sad, anxious or “empty” feelings that don't go away
  • Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
  • Irritability, restlessness
  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
  • Fatigue and decreased energy
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
  • Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness or excessive sleeping
  • Overeating, or appetite loss
  • Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
  • Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
For children you may see an additional symptom of increased irritability.  

Please know that NotYourTypicalKid is not a crisis intervention website or blog.  We are not trained therapists and we cannot provide medical advice. 

If you are in crisis right now there are resources to help.  We are not responsible for the helpfulness or functionality of any of the links to services provided.  If this is an immediate emergency please call 9-1-1 and describe your situation to the dispatcher so that you or your child can receive the help that you need.  The best supportive advice we can give is to tell someone if you are feeling suicidal.  Don't keep it a secret.  You need to share how you are feeling so that you can get help.


Suicide Prevention Resources

Covenant House: 800-999-9999

National Hotline: 800-SUICIDE

Youth Crisis Line: 800-HIT-HOME

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1800-273-TALK

Remember that there is no shame in feeling depressed or even suicidal.  It simply means you need help.  These feelings you are having are extreme but they are temporary.  It is possible to feel well again.  If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of depression or you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others please reach out and tell someone. 

I will be expanding the information on this page as this is such an important issue for our readers.












No comments:

Post a Comment