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“It’s important to heighten awareness of suicide and of the many, many treatments people can receive today,” said Janet Isdaner, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Director of Silver Hill Hospital’s Treatment, Care & Family Services. “Some people have brief periods of suicidal thoughts, and others experience such thoughts over months or years,” she said. “Either way, treatments can be very effective. It’s important for the person or those around him or her to get assistance.” During National Suicide Prevention Week, September 7-13, the staff of Silver Hill Hospital offers information targeted to help prevent suicide across the region. Who is affected? “Many different things can cause suicidal behavior, including substance abuse, depression, inadequate medication, and mood disorders,” Isdaner said. “Drugs and alcohol also can interact negatively with antidepressant medications.” Over 90 percent of suicide victims have a significant psychiatric illness at the time of their death, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. These are often undiagnosed, untreated, or both. Suicide can affect any age group, regardless of gender, race, or class, according to the Society for Suicidology, a Washington, DC-based non-profit. Among 15- to 24-year-olds nationwide, suicide is the third leading cause of death. The elderly comprise 16 percent of all people who commit suicide, though they make up only 12 percent of the population, the society also reported. Signs, symptoms Signs of suicidal behavior are sometimes similar to those of depression: lack of motivation, feeling hopeless or helpless, personality changes such as becoming more moody, increase in sleeping, and increase in substance abuse. “Sometimes, a family member or friend is more aware of these changes than is the person whose behavior has changed,” Isdaner said. “If you’re feeling suicidal or think someone near you is, it’s important to take it seriously.” Getting help If a family member or friend is possibly suicidal, professionals recommend talking to the person directly. “Ask specific questions, such as if they are feeling depressed,” Isdaner said. “If they appear immediately in danger of suicide, call 911. Otherwise, a family physician might be a good first step in getting assistance.” The National Association for the Mentally Ill, also called “NAMI,” can also provide assistance: in Conn., (800) 215-3021; in NY, (800) 950-3228, or www.nami.org. National suicide prevention hotlines can also assist: - 1-800-273-TALK (8255), for English. - 1-888-628-9454, for Spanish - For Veterans services: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), ext. 1. These hotlines are sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Local support for those with suicidal behavior Mental health professionals assist adults, adolescents and children plus the family in finding treatment, which might include therapy and medication. Treatment might also include visits to daytime (outpatient) programs, or overnight hospital stays ranging from a few days to four weeks. “We offer a variety of options to help people who have suicidal thoughts or behavior, and who are experiencing extreme emotional [conditions] that get in the way of living,” said Denise Kearns, RN, director of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy program at Silver Hill Hospital. The Dialectical Behavior Therapy residential program helps adults struggling with intense emotions and impulsive, harmful behaviors learn new skills to help regulate emotions and avoid self-destructive behaviors. This fall, the hospital will also open a daytime DBT program and a residential DBT program for adolescents. If you would like to know more about mental health treatment, contact Silver Hill Hospital toll-free: (866) 216-4455. Founded in 1931, Silver Hill Hospital is a nationally recognized, independent, not-for-profit psychiatric hospital. It provides adult and adolescent patients with diagnosis and treatment of the full range of psychiatric illnesses and substance use disorders. Silver Hill is distinct in offering a full continuum of care with both inpatient treatment as well as longer-stay residential Transitional Living Programs. © Copyright by NorwalkPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of NorwalkPlus.com, Norwalk Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. Related Articles: Eligibility in Charter Oak tops 2,000; Enrollment tops 1,000 - Sep 26, 2008 - 3:52 PM Nursing & Home Care and Mid-Fairfield Hospice move to i.park - Sep 26, 2008 - 11:39 AM Menopausal Symptom Management in Breast Cancer Survivors - topic at Norwalk Hospital - Sep 26, 2008 - 7:15 AM New Milford earns HEARTSafe Community designation - Sep 25, 2008 - 4:45 PM State helps leading Healthcare Diagnostics company stay, expand in Brookfield - Sep 25, 2008 - 4:40 PM CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
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