CAN ANXIETY MAKE A PERSON MORE LIKELY TO COMMIT SUICIDE?

Whereas fleeting thoughts of suicide are not uncommon, frequent, determined thoughts about ending one's life are a serious concern and need attention. Studies reveal that people with anxiety disorders often suffer from depression as well, and a sense of hopelessness associated with depression is the most likely reason someone contemplates taking his life. People who believe their circumstances will never improve are more likely to kill themselves than those who have some inkling of hope. And, hopelessness by definition is not based on clear, accurate thinking. Hopelessness assumes that a person knows for certain what the future holds—this is not possible.

Each year in the United States, about 10 people per 100,000 will kill themselves. If someone has the diagnosis of major depressive disorder, the likelihood of committing suicide goes up to about 400 out of 100,000. This is obviously much higher than the general population. About 20% of people with either panic disorder or social phobia unsuccessfully attempt to take their lives. If they are also depressed, they are more likely to go through with suicide.

Other risk factors associated with a completed suicide include:

Being male

Age—the older, the higher the risk

Lack of a life partner

Chronic illness

Alcohol abuse

Having a suicide plan

Having access to a means to carry out the suicide

Lacking a reason not to follow through

Previous attempts and rehearsals

If you are having recurring thoughts of suicide, contact a mental health professional for help. If you feel in immediate danger of hurting yourself, call 911. Professionals and family members should realize that people who say they are suicidal are more likely to attempt it. Access to means, such as guns or pills, should be eliminated. The suicidal person may need to be in a safe place like a psychiatric hospital. If that is not possible, she should have someone around her during the risk period. The good news is that depression is very treatable through medications and/or psychotherapy. If the illness is treated and the suicidal person can see some hope, most suicidal impulses pass.

Source: The Anxiety Answer Book by: Laurie A. Helgoe, PhD, Laura R. Wilhelm, PhD, Martin J. Kommor, MD