spring suicide awareness

---

It’s widely known that antidepressants (SSRIs) pose a risk to increased suicidality, especially when a person is just starting to take antidepressants or the dosage taken is increased.  That’s strange, isn’t it? Does not compute!  During those weeks it takes for the antidepressant to reach full effect, some people experienced increased agitation as serotonin levels increase, giving energy to act on thoughts that they previously did not have the energy to carry out.

It turns out that sunshine, specifically increased exposure to daylight, may have a similar effect on serotonin levels for some people.  See article ( http://reliawire.com/surprising-link-sunshine-suicide/   ) Statistically, suicide rates are higher in the Spring – sadly, many in the Central Texas area have seen this all too well among teens and young adults in recent years .  Perhaps it’s not just Spring Break, upcoming exams or filing taxes that causes this agitation.

Through formal learning and witnessing clients’ experience, I see that the most difficult part of a journey is often not at the bottom of the proverbial valley. Rather, the most difficult part is often when we’re about half way up the slope and find ourselves fatigued, frustrated, and invested enough in what we’re doing that we’re irritated we’re not “there yet.”  Since we can’t yet see the results of the climb, it’s common to wonder if we can or should keep moving toward the goal at the top.  Similarly, we may hopefully begin a project, and give up or wane in enthusiasm when an obstacle is encountered and makes the initial goal seem (or actually be) impossible to reach.

When someone is agitated or discouraged, connection to others is one of the most important preventative factors.  Connection to supportive others provides hope that the current struggles will pass, or if they don’t, others will be with them through the struggle.  It’s important to take suicidal thoughts seriously and seek professional or emergency help when needed. For more information: http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 1(800) 273-8255.

By: Jennifer A. Madere, LPC-S.