Suicide Prevention: An Expert Weighs in on How To Spot the Signs

After the chilling news on Thursday that by jumping in front of an oncoming G train at the Carroll St. station, Patch received confirmation this afternoon that the victim was a 23-year-old, white male from Indiana.

That the victim was so young is not uncommon.

According to Hospital's Chief of Psychiatry Jason Hershberger, MD, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24.

In light of this recent event in our community, we are sharing some of Dr. Hershberger's insights into depression, the major risk factor found in the majority of suicides.

Hershberger writes:

"What is depression? It is more than just feeling sad, it’s a sadness that you can’t shake no matter how hard you try or how long you wait. Depression can rob you of your ability to think, work, love, and enjoy life. It can make you feel like your body is made out of lead, and your head is filled with cement.

Depression is not rare. According to National Institute of Mental Health, 6.7% of Americans suffer from an episode of major depression each year, and depression is the leading cause of disability for young adults. Even today, we estimate that less than half of the people who suffer from depression get help for it. We can do better.

If you recognize these symptoms, get help now:
·    Feeling sad most of the time for weeks at a time
·    Finding yourself unable to enjoy what used to be fun
·    Feeling guilty, hopeless or helpless
·    Being unable to concentrate
·    Sleeping too little or too much and feeling tired all the time
·    Eating too much, or too little, with a significant change in weight.
·    Having morbid thoughts about death and a bleak future
·    Thinking about suicide

Suicide is the most frightening and dangerous symptom of depression. Eleven in 100,000 Americans die of suicide each year, making it the 10th leading cause of death in our country.

If you do not suffer from depression but are concerned about someone important to you, help them take the first few steps to meet with a behavioral health professional. Depressed and demoralized people have trouble getting the health care they need and deserve—you can be an important support and advocate for them."

The Department of Psychiatry at Downstate Long Island College Hospital includes inpatient, outpatient and emergency psychiatric services. For physician referral please call (888) 270-SUNY(7869), or visit www.downstate.edu/LICH.

Portions of this article originally appeared on the Brooklyn Heights Blog.