Although suicides and rumors of suicides have pervaded the county this month, only one incident has been confirmed by law enforcement as of this morning.
Long-standing Gazette policy has been not to publish any suicide unless it occurred in a public place or involved a public figure, such as a city manager or county commissioner. Suicide, in general, is a private matter.
Suicides are recorded in Lyon County with more frequency than openly acknowledged. Authorities say that, for some, May and June are the most depressing months and the most difficult of the year to survive.
People are more likely to commit suicide during these months than any other time of year, according to Dr. David Neubarger, medical director of the Psychiatric Mobile Treatment Program of Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and assistant professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
On his Web site, Neubarger states that most surveys show that May is the peak month for suicides in the northern hemisphere, although in some areas and some years, June is the prevalent month.
Neubarger speculated that, because of the May-June peaks, a biological influence may play a role in the number of suicides. In the southern hemisphere, the same seasonal cycle is reflected, with its November-December suicide peaks. The warm weather phenomenon has been noticed and recorded for more than 100 years, Neubarger wrote.
Although most people who suffer from depression are not suicidal, most suicidal people are depressed.
“Serious depression can be manifested in obvious sadness, but often it is rather expressed as a loss of pleasure or withdrawal from activities that had been enjoyable,” according to information from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Some suicides do occur without any outward warning, the AFSP stated; however, most people considering suicide do give warnings.
The AFSP listed these warning signs of suicide:
F Observable signs of serious depression, such as unrelenting low mood, pessimism, hopelessness, desperation, withdrawal, sleep problems.
F Increased alcohol and/or other drug use
F Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
F Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die
F Unexpected rage or anger
F Making a plan, such as giving away prized possessions, sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm, or obtaining other means of killing oneself, such as poisons or medications.
How you can help:
F Take it seriously. Seventy-five percent of all suicides give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member.
F Be willing to listen.
F Ask what is troubling the person and persist if he or she is reluctant to talk about it.
F Don’t be afraid to ask if the person is considering suicide, or has a particular plan in mind.
F Do not attempt to argue someone out of suicide; let the person know you care and understand and tell him or her that depression can be treated and problems can be solved.
F Avoid the temptation to say “You have so much to live for” or “Your suicide will hurt your family.”
F Encourage the person to seek professional help immediately. People considering suicide often do not believe they can be helped.
F Help the person find a knowledgeable mental health professional or reputable treatment center.
F Volunteer to accompany the person to visit the professional.
F In an acute crisis, accompany the person to an emergency room or psychiatric hospital.
F Do not leave the person alone until help is available.
F Remove firearms, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
F If no other options are available, call the local emergency number or the national Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8155.
greeneyesnjam (anonymous) says...
Thank you for taking the time to explain to people, suicide is in fact a private matter. I think there are soo many people that need to learn to think of others. I think the family of the people who have passed should have the right to keep things amongst their family. We should be understanding of that, aren't there things that happen in everyones home ,and family they don't want the world to know?
If someone has lost a friend or family member I think it would be harder to see it all over the paper and hear about it everywhere just because we all think we should know the "scoop" Have respect
June 29, 2007 at 3:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kansasjayhawks (anonymous) says...
THis article was very informative and I too, think that suicide is a hard thing to understand and accept. I have never had anyone close to me go through this......but I can only imagine how hard it must be.
June 29, 2007 at 10:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )