It is necessary to promote the awareness of suicide prevention in our communities. Suicidal thoughts, gestures and actual attempts are just as crucial matters as completed suicides. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) notes, "Worldwide there are more deaths due to suicide than accidents, homicides and war combined." Cited by the AFSP, "a person dies by suicide about every 15 minutes in the U.S. An attempt is estimated to be made once every 40 seconds." Therefore, there is an urgency to recognize the impact depression have on people.
As referenced by the Diagnostic Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, text revision, DSM-IV-TR, symptoms of Major Depression include "a period of at least 2 weeks during which there is either depressed mood or the loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities. The individual must also experience at least four additional symptoms drawn from a list that includes changes in appetite or weight, sleep, and psychomotor activity; decreased energy; feelings of worthlessness of guilt; difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions; or recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation, plans, or attempts."
Clinical depression cannot be left ignored. The condition affects many people and it is important to address. According to www.suicide.org, "untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide." Depression left untreated can lead to deadly consequences. Clinical depression requires immediate treatment. If you or a loved one has concerns about depression, seek assistance of a heath care professional.
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