The following is a guest posting by Melissa Howard – from stopsuicide.info
A Painful Relationship:
Substance Abuse, Suicide, and Signs You Should Look For
Suicide is a real problem in this country. According to a 2018 report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicides in the United States have increased 25 percent over the past 17 years. Suicidal depression is complicated, and may involve factors including past trauma, health issues, relationship problems, or financial troubles. But one problem in particular is often seen in conjunction with suicide risk: substance abuse.
Substance Abuse and Suicidal Depression
Both alcohol and drug abuse are among the leading risk factors for suicide. When people struggle with substance abuse disorders, they may experience a sense of hopelessness that leads to suicidal thoughts. Substance addiction can also lead to several social and relationship problems– loss of job, arrests, problems with family or a significant other, etc.– that also contribute to feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness associated with suicide. When a person already struggling with these dark thoughts and emotions loses their inhibitions due to drugs or alcohol, they are more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors with tragic consequences.
Fortunately, conditions like depression and substance abuse are treatable. Many people recover from suicidal thoughts and go on to lead happy and invested lives. If you believe your loved one is using drugs or alcohol while also struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts, look for the following warning signs.
Signs of Substance Abuse Disorder
● Bloodshot or glazed eyes; dilated pupils
● Sudden changes in weight
● Bruises, cuts, and physical signs of a drug entrance site
● Increased irritability
● Aggression
● Financial problems or loss of job
● Change in social group
● Engaging in criminal activity
Signs of Suicidal Depression
● Direct and indirect verbal expressions of wanting to die
● Loss of interest
● Expression of purposelessness or hopelessness
● Outright neglect of self
● Social withdrawal
● Getting rid of possessions
● Sleeping too much or too little
● Increase in drug or alcohol use
● Risky behaviors
● Dramatic changes in mood
Helping a Loved One with Substance Abuse and Suicidal Depression
If you notice someone you are close with exhibiting these signs, it is important to talk to them about it with compassion and kindness. While interventions where friends and family bombard a person make for entertaining television, it’s not really the best way to confront a person who is in pain from addiction and suicidal depression. When talking with your loved one, express your concern over their behavior and the risks involved. Let them know you love them and value their presence, so you want to help them, not scold.
Sometimes, a loved one will refuse to get help. Substance abuse relies on denial to survive, so the longer they avoid treatment, the more control it has over its host. Furthermore, a person struggling with suicidal depression may not think they deserve the help that you offer them. To make sure your conversation goes as well as possible, be sure to talk to them when they have not been using drugs or drinking. You can also get advice from an addiction counselor on how best to approach the topic. If they flat out refuse treatment for their problems, don’t continue to enable their behavior by doing things like helping them pay bills or bailing them out of jail. It’s important to set boundaries and protect yourself from the harm that addiction can inflict on those around the addict.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, which is available 24/7, at 1-800-273-8255. Suicidal depression and substance abuse have a painful relationship that can make recovery difficult, but it is possible. Talking to someone about these mental illnesses can help save a life.
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