The Silent Killer We Need to Talk About

*TRIGGER WARNING* This blog contains examples, personal stories, facts, and statistics about suicide that may be triggering to some of you. If you are triggered from talking about suicide, please turn away now and find something happier to read. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call the Suicide Hotline, your doctor, or someone who will listen to you. Thank you.*
•Disclaimer• Unless otherwise stated, all statistics are based on numbers in the USA. 

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.A. Approximately 105 people die from this every day. Every 12.3 minutes one occurs. Over 38,000 Americans a year lose their lives to this. In 2014 there were 42,773 that died.

A subject that is hardly touched, but should be, is suicide. There are so many that act as though it's taboo to talk about it, yet talking about it is one of the best ways to prevent it. We should strive to break that feeling of evasion if we want to save more lives.

Did you know that depression is the cause of over two-thirds of suicides? And yet only half of all Americans who experience an episode of major depression receive treatment. Amazed by those facts yet? Here's another one for you: About 6.7% of adults are affected by depression.

Based off 2014 numbers, this would mean that out of about 177 million adults, around 11 million were affected by depression. That year, less than 6 million would have received treatment. Yet, in teenagers, which would have been over 73 million of the population that year, 80-90% who are treated for depression are treated successfully using therapy and/or medication. If that's not something that makes you want to raise awareness, I don't know what will.

People with depression, and people with suicidal tendencies don't talk about it often, and many suffer in silence for months, if not years. "Who would take you seriously?" their mind says. Depression fills your head with thoughts of worthlessness and self doubt. "There are so many people that have it worse off than you." "What gives you the right to call that hotline?" "Suck it up buttercup, just smile and it'll get better."

What they don't get is the fact that there ARE people who care and would love to give them the chance to talk about it. But one of the curses of having suicidal tendencies is the feeling of loneliness.

Imagine you're in a crowded room. There's still space to move, but you're surrounded by people. You know at least a third of the people there, maybe only a tenth very well. But then a little voice in your head starts telling you that none of these people care about you. None of them want to talk to you, and you find yourself wanting to leave the room to be alone. That's one example of what depression and suicidal thoughts can do to you.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds, and the tenth leading cause for all ages.

            Facts about suicide and gender: 

• Women with depression outnumber men 2:1
• Females are more likely to have suicidal thoughts
• Females attempt suicide three times as often as males
• Suicide deaths among males is four times higher than among females
• The most common method of suicide for males is firearms
• The most common method of suicide for females is poison

Now that I've got some statistics and facts out of the way, let's get personal....I have depression, which is why I know how it feels. I've had it for about a year now, and I didn't know what it was at first. Details aside, I've had some extremely dark days, but I've had absolutely wonderful days as well. 

 Even though it's painful, the best thing you can do if you have depression or suicidal tendencies is to talk to someone. I've had multiple cry sessions with my friend that makes me feel like a burden at times, but I know they're there to make me feel better no matter how long it takes. Talk to your spouse, your parent, your sibling, your best friend, your roommate, anyone you trust will be a good listener. 

 The sooner someone else knows what you're going through, the sooner they can help you. Whether you need to get out of a stressful job situation, need medication, should talk to a counselor, or simply need more time in the sun, there is help for you, and people who want to see you get better. 

Depression is serious. 

Anxiety is serious. 

PTSD is serious. 

Post-partum is serious. 

Bi-polar is serious. 

Mental Illness of any kind is serious. 

Suicide is serious, and we need to raise awareness.

If you ever need to talk, don't be shy, send me a message, and we'll find something to talk about. I want you to know that someone cares.

From a friend,
Alyson