Did you know that suicide occurs every 40 seconds? Suicide is the 6th most common cause of death in the US. In the US, 52% of suicides involve the use of a firearm.
People who have the highest risk of suicide are white males. Men worldwide are 3 to 4 times likely to kill themselves. But women and teenagers report more suicide attempts. People commit suicide when they are feeling hopeless and in despair and just can't logically find any other solution..
Clinical studies have shown that underlying mental disorders are present in 87% to 98% o9f suicides. Some mental disorders identified as risk factors, often may have an underlying biological basis. Serotonin is a vital brain neurotransmitters in those who have taken their own life have the lowest level at the time of death.
Hopelessness and despair, the feeling that there is no prospect of improvement in one's situation is a strong indicator of suicide. No logic enters into the brain. One is not in their rational state of mind when they take their own life.
I became a widow on February 24th 2012 as my husband came to my side of the bed and the only words he spoke were watch this and he pointed a 22 to his temple and pulled the trigger. It was an extremely fast act of event. As I think about it, and others I've talked to, I believe his intentions were to kill me and then himself. I'll never know but it is a scary thought. Even if not to kill me as well, why come to my side of the bed? Why do it in front of me. As I am able to think back on things, there were signs. He had been planning this. It wasn't just a spur of the moment thing. I so regret I didn't recognize the signs.
Many of you have expressed how much he loved me and I felt loved up until this happened. I feel as though he was trying to punish me by committing the act in front of me, he left me no letter stating he loved me, only a note to his oldest daughter who happens to live on our street. I am not mentioned. I was just finally able to read the letter yesterday, 2 months since his death It brought on a roller coaster of emotions, the first being terribly angry to crying my eyes out missing him and feeling sorry for myself. I certainly didn't feel loved. All I can say is watch your spouse, your children or a good friend because there are signs beforehand. If your loved one is bipolar, make sure they take their medication.
I pray that no one ever has to go through what I did. It is an image I will never get out of my mind, not EVER!
I am just trying to get through it the best I can. I am in therapy, absolutely love my therapist. She has diagnosed me with severe trauma, severe depression and post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD which is what our soldiers are coming back home with. Not only this but depression because his entire family, children and sisters will not have anything to do with me. Not only did I loose Jim but his family of 23 years who once seemed to love me so much. They were my family as I have no family of my own, just my 2 children and 1 grandson. This has hurt me to the core. My few friends have shunned me, I guess people can't deal with suicide.
If you, your spouse, your sibling or close friend show signs of depression, try to get them help right way. It could mean the difference between life and death. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7. The number is 1-800-273-TALK.