Alcohol, Depression + Suicide: Breaking an Endless Loop of Despair and Destruction
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 25 million Americans suffer from depression yearly. More than 50% of people who died by suicide suffer from major depression and if one includes alcoholics that are depressed, that number increases to over 75%. Suicide Facts and Figures (afsp.org)
If an individual has a history of drinking alcohol to cope with depression, they might develop a tolerance to alcohol (needing more for the desired effect). This results in higher levels of alcohol consumption, which cycles back to dark, lonely and hopeless feelings, creating an endless loop of despair and destruction.
Recognizing The Signs Of Depression And Suicide Risk
The coronavirus pandemic was a “triggering event” for attention to mental health issues and it led to increased diagnoses of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation, according to Angeleena Francis, licensed mental health counselor and the Executive Director at AMFM Healthcare, a mental health treatment center in Seattle. Francis attributes the rising rates of mental health diagnoses to both the de-stigmatization of treatment and its increased accessibility.
Many factors can increase the risk for suicide. Suicide is connected to other forms of injury and violence. For example, people who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence have a higher suicide risk. Facts About Suicide | Suicide | CDC The book “13 Reasons Why” by Jay Asher [PDF] Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (Book Analysis) by Bright Summaries eBook | Perlego, which later became a popular Netflix series, is case in point.
People with a history of mental health challenges, a history of trauma, chronic illness or pain, a family history of suicide, exposure to people who have died of suicide, depression and/or substance abuse are also at increased risk for suicide.
How can we tell if someone is depressed? Individuals suffering from depression may experience anxiety; irritability; thoughts & conversations about suicide; conversations about feeling depressed; decreased motivation and energy; changes in appetite and sleep patterns; poor concentration and feelings of hopelessness. If you suspect a friend or family member is depressed, have a conversation with them; listen to them and get them help.
How To Help Those At Risk
In NH, the Bureau of Alcohol & Drug Services (DHHS) offers many resources for those with substance misuse issues: Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Substance Misuse | New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (nh.gov)
Another excellent resource for dealing with addiction, finding alcohol treatment centers and family support resources is Alcohol Help Alcohol Help - Experience Life Without Alcohol Addiction.
For national and state-level suicide prevention resources, visit the NH Coalition for Suicide Prevention website: Suicide Prevention Resources — NH Coalition for Suicide Prevention (zerosuicidesnh.org).