WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUES : WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE

Why are Depression and Suicide Women’s Health Issues? Women in the United States are two to three times more likely than men to suffer from depression and three times more likely than men to attempt suicide

Overview of Depression Depression is a complex medical condition that affects both mind and body Chemical imbalances result in changes in cognition and brain functioning Depression can last for weeks, months, years, or a lifetime if not treated

Women and Depression As many as one in five American women will suffer from clinical depression Women between the ages of 18 and 45 comprise the majority of people with major depression Poor, young women of all races and ethnicities are at greatest risk for depression

Many women experience first episodes of depression in their 20’s and 30’s There is a 50% chance that depression will reoccur

Why Higher Rates Among Women? Hormonal fluctuations Higher rates of exposure to trauma such as physical and sexual abuse Poverty/less economic power Caregiver role

Symptoms of Depression Sadness Irritability Indecisiveness Helplessness Hopelessness Social withdrawal Insomnia Excessive sleeping Loss of interest Excessive guilt Low energy & fatigue Poor concentration Increased or decreased appetite Weight changes Suicidal ideation

What Causes Depression? Causes are not well understood Genetic links Prolonged stress Alcohol and/or drug abuse Medical Conditions Medications Some depression occurs spontaneously

Protective Factors Autonomy Access to resources Psychological support

Depression and Physical Illness Depression can affect the immune system Depression exacerbates existing medical conditions Depression may be a risk factor for osteoporosis

Depression and Physical Illness Heart disease, diabetes and cancer are linked with depression Depression may have adverse biological effects on blood clotting, blood pressure, blood vessels and heart rhythms People with depression are at increased risk of coronary heart disease

Depression is Treatable Early intervention and treatment is key 80% of people who are depressed will recover with appropriate treatment Psychotherapy Antidepressant Medications Less than one in three women with depression seek treatment 15% of people with severe, untreated clinical depression die by suicide

Depression and Suicide Risk of suicide in people with major depression is 20 times that of general population 90% of people who die by suicide suffer from mental illness 60% suffer from depression Suicide cuts across all ethnic, economic, social and age boundaries

Suicide Multiple episodes of depression signify greater risk Dependence on alcohol or drugs and depression increases risk Surviving family members are at higher risk of suicide and emotional problems

Suicidal persons see their problems as inescapable Most suicidal persons want to live, but can’t see alternatives to their problems Suicidal persons feel an utter loss of control: Can’t stop the pain Can’t make decisions Can’t get out of depression Can’t think clearly Can’t see the possibility of change Can’t see themselves as worthwhile

National Suicide Statistics Suicide is the 11 th leading cause of death 1.2% of all deaths are suicides 80 suicides per day 30,000 suicides per year 2,000 suicide attempts per day 730,000 suicide attempts per year 1.7 suicides for every homicide in America

National Statistics Men die by suicide more often than women (4:1) Women attempt suicide more often than men (3:1)

Suicide Rates

Suicide in Wyoming During 2002, 106 Wyomingites died by suicide Rate of 21/100, died by homicide Wyoming consistently has one of the highest rates of suicide in the U.S. Wyoming currently ranks first in the nation for suicide (2002)

Preventing Suicide Take reports of suicidal ideation seriously Know and look for suicide risk factors Talk with the person about your concerns Ask directly about suicide Say you care and want to help Encourage them to share their feelings Listen to the individual Do not counsel or be judgmental

Preventing Suicide  Limit access to firearms and other means of suicide Get professional help Help make an appointment with a mental health professional Take the person to the emergency room Follow up to make sure the person is getting help

How do I talk to someone who might be suicidal? I’ve noticed you are feeling upset. What is going on in your life? Are you thinking about hurting yourself? Do you have a plan? What do you think might help? Where would you like to seek help? Why don’t we make the call for help together? I’m not going to feel comfortable without being sure you are going to get some help.

Resources Local mental health center Local physicians Emergency rooms Wyoming Suicide Prevention Task Force Wyoming Department of Health National Mental Health Association American Association of Suicidology Suicide Prevention Action Network U.S.A. National Institute of Mental Health Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

Questions?