Robin Williams' death highlights suicide awareness, prevention
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The death of Robin Williams has sparked a lot of discussion the treatment of depression and suicide prevention.
It's estimated that in the United States, one person will die as a result of suicide every 13 minutes. The vast majority suffer from some form of clinical depression or other mental illness, and yet it's still a misunderstood ailment.
"It's uncomfortable. We like to talk about problems we can solve. We like to talk about happy things," said Dr. Scott Langenecker, University of Illinois-Chicago.
And yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control up to 3.4 percent of the adult population in the United States suffers clinical depression. In the most severe cases, as appears to have been the case with Robin Williams, this depression can lead to suicide. That was the case of Ronnie Walker's stepson.
"It was as if a grenade went off in our family. My marriage didn't survive it. We were all wounded. Each in our way struggling to survive. It was very traumatizing," said Walker.
And while there are sometimes obvious signs of severe depression, it's not always so.
"They might be withdrawing socially. Sometimes you hear it in the way people talk about themselves. They say, 'Oh, I'm so stupid. I can't do anything right. I should just give up,'" said Dr. Langenecker.
This pattern of negativity is why Langenecker says it's often up to family and friends to be aware of what is going on, so they can get their loved ones the help they need.
"The idea of 'I don't belong. I don't deserve to get better and I'm a burden on other people.' People believe that in the midst of depression," said Dr. Langenecker.
For Walker, her stepson's suicide led her on the path she's on today. Six-and-a-half years ago, she the founded the Alliance of Hope for Suicide Survivors. It's now the largest online community forum of its kind.
"We are there with people who have done it to say, I've been there, I understand what you're feeling. You can make it. We're here, you don't have to do it alone," said Walker.
It's estimated that in the aftermath of loss, survivors are 10 times more likely to feel suicidal themselves.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or is a survivor in need, there are several resources to help.
Chicago-area suicide prevention and survivor resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Alliance of Hope for Suicide Survivors
No Stigmas (peer-to-peer mentorship program for survivors): 888-816-6403 or 312-724-7675
Additional resources:
Warning Signs of Suicide
Suicide can be prevented. While some suicides occur without any outward warning, most people who are suicidal do give warnings. Prevent the suicide of loved ones by learning to recognize the signs of someone at risk, taking those signs seriously and knowing how to respond to them.
Warning signs of suicide include:
Observable signs of serious depression:
Unrelenting low mood
Pessimism
Hopelessness
Desperation
Anxiety, psychic pain and inner tension
Withdrawal
Sleep problems
Increased alcohol and/or other drug use
Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die
Making a plan:
Giving away prized possessions
Sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm
Obtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medications
Unexpected rage or anger
The emotional crises that usually precede suicide are often recognizable and treatable. Although most depressed people 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. One can help prevent suicide through early recognition and treatment of depression and other psychiatric illnesses.
CHICAGOLAND HOTLINES:
Emergency Medical Care, North Suburban Chicago
Evanston/Northwestern Healthcare Crisis Team: 847-570-2500 x 1
Family Crisis and Substance Abuse, North Suburban Chicago
Omni Youth Services: 847-541-0199
Sexual Abuse, North Suburban Chicago
La Casa Hotline: 847-872-7799
The LOSS (Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide) Program
LOSS offers a safe, non-judgmental place where group members are assisted throughout the grieving process.
Catholic Charities
126 N. Desplaines Street
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2357
phone: 312.655.7283
fax: 312.655.0678
web: www.catholiccharities.net
Suicide Prevention Services in Batavia
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
ELYSSA'S MISSION
