Suicide in America has long been a problem. More than 8 million Americans per year consider suicide. There are about 32,000 suicides each year in the U.S. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services has reported that in their study they found many more give the idea of suicide serious thought.
Findings are based on a SAMHSA report from a survey in which 46,190 people between the ages of 18 and over responded. Presently the question about suicide is on all questionnaires but that was only added in 2008. Before this only people who reported major depression were asked about suicide.
The study also found that individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 were much more likely to have seriously considered suicide in the previous year in comparison to those 26 to 49 years old. It also showed that only 2.3 percent of individuals over 50 considered suicide.
It also noted that about 11 percent of individuals with a substance abuse disorder considered suicide while only 3 percent of people that did not suffer from a disorder had considered it. While these numbers are high, suicide calls have risen even more because of the economy.
Suicide is particularly high among individuals with depression, especially between the ages of 18 and 25. This is a pivotal time in their lives because they are away from home and their parents. They are in charge of their life and have to face the pressure of fitting in, getting an education, starting a career, and dealing with peer pressure.
College age students are under a lot of pressure and many are experiencing freedom for the first time. They are on their own and responsible for their lives, and many decide to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Many have low self-esteem and become even more vulnerable as their drug abuse becomes greater and other aspects of their life start to fall apart.
Depression is a major problem for individuals of all ages and circumstances. Those suffering from it need to get help. There is counseling at community centers, clinics, and many other places. If you are contemplating suicide or know someone that is get help immediately because you don't want to feel the regret that you could have helped someone and didn't. Even if the person gets mad at you for telling them to get counseling, having them angry with you is a lot better than the alternative.
Depression is a serious condition and there are medications and therapy that can help you get better and back into your normal routine. Your life doesn't have to stay the way it is, there is help and you just need ask for help. Nothing could be worse than taking your life and think of all the people you are hurting. You never know how many lives you influenced or touched until you're not here anymore.
Tags: addiction counseling, depression, depression and suicide, health degrees, medications, mental health counseling, students and depression, study counseling, suicide
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