Crisis is Temporary - Death is Permanent

Feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or hopeless after the holiday season or know someone who does? When the festivities end and we return to our regular schedules, many turn the focus from others back to themselves. Sometimes, we are so dissatisfied by what we find in ourselves, that we consider suicide.

One person in the United States commits suicide every 16 minutes. For every person that commits suicide, 8 to 25, depending the resource used, attempt suicide, but do not die. Women attempt suicide 2 to 3 times more often than men, but men succeed at killing themselves 4 times more often. Men, 75 years old and older, hold the highest completion rate for suicide. At least 14.5% of high school students report seriously considering suicide. Whites are the most likely to commit suicide, and African Americans are the least likely.

How do know when you or someone else needs help? If you experience the symptoms below or if you witness, hear or see someone you know exhibiting any of the symptoms, seek help as soon as possible:

• Hopelessness
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
• Recklessness, engaging in risky activities
• Feeling trapped
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from family, friends, society
• Anxiety, agitation
• Unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
• No sense of purpose in life
• Dramatic mood changes

Many people contemplate suicide, but most recognize the crisis is temporary, while death is permanent. The danger increases when one feels a complete loss of control. These negative thoughts regularly accompany feelings of powerlessness:

• Cannot stop the pain
• Cannot think clearly
• Cannot make decisions
• Cannot see any way out
• Cannot eat or work
• Cannot get out of depression
• Cannot make the sadness go away
• Cannot see a furture without pain
• Cannot see themselves as worthwhile
• Cannot get someone's attention
• Cannot seem to get control

If you or someone you know has these thoughts, get help.

How can you help someone who is threatening suicide?

• Be direct. Talk openly to him/her about suicide
• Be willing to listen and accept the feelings
• Be non-judgmental, don't lecture or debate
• Show interest and support, be available
• Never dare him or her to do it
• Do not act shocked
• Do not be sworn to secrecy
• Offer hope and alternatives, explore other options
• Take action, remove weapons, remove stockpiled medications

If someone threatens to hurt or kill him/herself, you or someone else; if someone is looking for ways to kill him/herself or others; or if someone is talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, get help immediately.

Where can you get help?

If there is a life threatening emergency, do not hesitate to call 911. Soundside Wellness Consultants may be contacted at 850-226-8585. Most appointments may be scheduled at 205 Shell Avenue, Fort Walton Beach within one business day. After hours assistance is available by calling the Okaloosa Crisis Hotline/Rape Crisis Center at 850-244-9191 or 850-682-0101.

Bridgeway Center, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization with 12 locations dedicated to providing quality and affordable behavioral, judicial, educational, and in-home senior services for individuals throughout Okaloosa County and beyond. For more information on Bridgeway Center, Inc. and its services, call 833-7500.