National Suicide Prevention Day

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Today, September 10th, is National Suicide Prevention Day. As comedian Robin Williams' recent death shows us, anyone can be at risk for suicide; it is no respecter of social status, income, or intelligence.

People do not commit suicide out of selfishness or a desire to "make somebody pay" for hurting them. Rather, it is a desperate act by someone who feels utterly alone and who wants their pain to stop, and they cannot see another way out.

Please, if you or someone you care about is experiencing suicidal ideation, or if you have made plans to take your own life, call the Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255. They are available 24/7/365 and they will provide you with a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. They can also assist you in finding the help you need to work through the sadness and despair.

Over 40,000 Americans become victims of suicide every year, affecting countless family members and friends. No matter how hopeless or worthless you may feel, there is only one you, and the world would be a colder and lonelier place without you. Don't be a statistic.....get help TODAY!

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This is a good reminder for health care staff and for us personally. I know plenty that suffer or have suffered from severe depression (myself included). Sometimes we need to be reminded that there is help out there and that we have options other than suicide. Thank you Viva.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

thank you Viva...I've copied your words onto Facebook for my friends to read...I couldn't word it any better than you did!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Wonderful reminder that there are options and answers out there. :yes:

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

This is a subject which is very near and dear to my heart. I've felt that kind of desperation before and I know about the dark places where one can become lost if something (or someone) doesn't intervene. And believe me, I am not thinking about my family and friends when I'm in those dark places, except maybe for "they'll be better off without me". I wouldn't wish suicidal ideation on my worst enemy.....sometimes I scare myself when I get to thinking along those lines.

I once called the Suicide Prevention line on a night when I was sitting up in bed till way into the night, swinging one leg alongside the bed and contemplating the uselessness of my life. I'd lost my job and was in the middle of a nasty mixed manic/depressive episode, and I didn't think I could wait till morning to talk to my doctor. I went into the bathroom and sat down with a full bottle of Ativan in one hand and the phone in the other. The lady I spoke to was extremely compassionate and listened to me even when all I could do was cry; she even offered to call someone to come to the house and take me to the hospital. Just knowing she cared enough to do that for me gave me the courage to hold on till daylight.

I decided to not go to the hospital. I think I just needed someone to hear me out. I called my doctor later that day after I finally got some sleep. A couple of med tweaks and an emergency therapy session helped, and fortunately I got better quickly. I've never had that bad of an episode since, but it's good to know that those people will be there for me if ever I should need help again.:yes:

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Specializes in retired LTC.

I know the feeling of sitting there with 'the bottle of pills' too. Just had had a major major car accident that totally changed my life in so soooooo many ways. Something occurred right then that was so silly that it made my cloud pass. Have never been that way since.

I've not worked Psych, but I can tune in to those who 'just want the pain to stop' as Viva so well comments. Even if 'the pain' hasn't gotten to that point yet, folk need to hear others (or listen to it themselves) and intervene (or seek intervention).

Thanks for the reminder.

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Specializes in ICU, Geriatrics, Float Pool.

One of my best friends committed suicide after a long battle with depression a few years ago. He was a gentle soul, kind to everyone and always had a joke to make people smile. Hopefully one day, we will have a better understanding of how to treat and cure mental issues. Until then, here's to all the ones fighting their demons for one more day every day.

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Specializes in Med Surg, ICU, Infection, Home Health, and LTC.

I did not realize there was a national day for suicide prevention. When Robin committed suicide it saddened and shocked me. It also made me think. How many of you have known nurses and healthcare providers that killed themselves? When I worked ICU for several years 3 of our nurses committed suicide and it really took a toll on me emotionally as we were a small unit and there were not that many of us full time to begin with. It was over the course of about 4 years but still, these were nurses that I respected, admired, and was very close to. The people left behind when someone chooses suicide can really take its toll.

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I am one of those people left behind. My father committed suicide 16 years ago. The anniversary of his death is coming in October and I know my dark demons will worsen as that time approaches. I am hoping with our growth in genetic testing there will be a link between an actual gene as the cause of depression and an improvement in treatment. I find it hard to believe we still treat by symptoms in the 21st century. Is there no way to actually test the levels of neuro-transmitters and chemicals in the brain that lead to depression? This should be a true area of advancement/opportunity in the medical field. How many of us or those we know suffer from depression at some time?

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Specializes in Critical care.
I am one of those people left behind. My father committed suicide 16 years ago. The anniversary of his death is coming in October and I know my dark demons will worsen as that time approaches. I am hoping with our growth in genetic testing there will be a link between an actual gene as the cause of depression and an improvement in treatment. I find it hard to believe we still treat by symptoms in the 21st century. Is there no way to actually test the levels of neuro-transmitters and chemicals in the brain that lead to depression? This should be a true area of advancement/opportunity in the medical field. How many of us or those we know suffer from depression at some time?

I thought I read in the Wash a Post a few weeks ago that they have identified a suicide gene. I mentioned it to a psychiatrist and he was aware.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
I am one of those people left behind. My father committed suicide 16 years ago. The anniversary of his death is coming in October and I know my dark demons will worsen as that time approaches. I am hoping with our growth in genetic testing there will be a link between an actual gene as the cause of depression and an improvement in treatment. I find it hard to believe we still treat by symptoms in the 21st century. Is there no way to actually test the levels of neuro-transmitters and chemicals in the brain that lead to depression? This should be a true area of advancement/opportunity in the medical field. How many of us or those we know suffer from depression at some time?

I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even fathom the depth of pain experienced by families of suicide victims.

From what I'm reading at Psych Central and Psychiatric Times, new discoveries in the area of genetics are being made all the time. In another generation it may be possible to diagnose mental illnesses much earlier and tailor treatment precisely; for now, it's a matter of getting the drug "cocktail" right which necessitates a LOT of med changes and adjustments. I know; I've been through some two dozen of them since my own illness was diagnosed early in 2012. I'm well now, but in the middle was a lot of misery. It would be wonderful if future patients could skip all of that and go straight for the right combination of meds.

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