Friday, September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day. This annual event puts a spotlight on the ongoing crisis of suicide across the globe. It also serves as a reminder that suicide is a preventable cause of death. Depression, America’s most common mental illness, often plays a part in suicidal behavior. If you’re affected by this illness, it’s crucial that you seek out a professional depression treatment program.
In many cases, depression occurs in combination with a serious substance problem. This combination is a prime example of a condition known as dual diagnosis. At Memphis Recovery Centers, we feature effective dual diagnosis as a component of our depression treatment program. This treatment will help you recover from the combined effects of depression and addiction. In turn, it may also play an essential role in suicide prevention. If you or someone you love is suicidal, reach out today by calling 901-272-7751 or completing our online contact form.
Basics of World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day was launched in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). The World Health Organization acts as a co-sponsor. Every year, 60-plus nations around the globe honor this day. In each country, events are staged to emphasize the importance of suicide prevention.
These events are designed to reach:
- The general public
- National governments
- Private national advocacy groups
They are observed by tens of millions of people and help the IASP reach its goals.
The Link Between Suicide and Depression
Depression is a mood disorder with wide-reaching effects. Those effects include:
- A significantly “down” state of mind
- Changes in your sleep habits
- Feelings such as sadness, guilt, helplessness, or worthlessness
- Unusual fatigue
- Appetite changes
- A reduced or lost ability to feel pleasure
- Problems concentrating or thinking clearly
Some people affected by depression also develop suicidal thoughts. The presence of these thoughts is a serious mental health concern. Most depressed people will not attempt to kill themselves. However, depression does substantially increase the odds of attempting suicide. Men with the illness kill themselves about seven times as often as women.
Suicide and Dual Diagnosis
The term “dual diagnosis” applies to all combinations of addiction and mental illness. Since depression is so common, addiction often plays a role. Studies show that having a dual diagnosis increases your chances of committing suicide. That’s true, no matter what kind of mental illness affects you. In the case of depression, the link between dual diagnosis and suicide appears to be strongest among young people.
The Importance of a Depression Treatment Program for Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis occurs in a large percentage of people with substance problems. If you’re affected by both depression and addiction, you need more than substance treatment. You also need an effective depression treatment program. This is true for a couple of reasons. First, when they occur together, addiction and depression may amplify each other’s effects. In other words, the symptoms of both conditions may grow worse.
In addition, treatment of just one of your conditions can make an overall recovery difficult or even impossible. That’s true no matter how much you try to succeed. Only by getting help for both issues can you increase your chances of meeting your goals.
Find Resources for Suicide Prevention at Memphis Recovery Centers
To learn more about World Suicide Prevention Day, contact Memphis Recovery Centers today. Our staff of specialists will help explain the link between depression, dual diagnosis, and suicide prevention. Every day, we use an integrated approach to treat dual diagnosis. This approach addresses your depression and addiction symptoms at the same time. The result is comprehensive care that supports your health and well-being. At the same time, you can lower your risks for exposure to suicide. For more information, call us at 901-272-7751 or fill out our online form today.
