Night before last, my 19-year-old son attempted to commit suicide by overdosing on a bottle of pills. Thank God, he is going to be fine. This event prompted me to write this article.

We need to be aware of the dangers of depression and the progressive path it can lead toward suicide. Every year, over 200,000 people attempt to commit suicide and an average of 20,000 to 25,000 of them succeed. Over the past 10 years, studies show that the suicide rate in teens has rapidly increased. In the majority of these cases, the suicide victim was known to suffer from some form of depression. There are several different types of depression.

Manic depression, also known as “bipolar disorder” is a biochemical illness, which results in severe mood swings.

Reactive depression is a form of depression caused by stressful events in one’s life. For the person suffering from reactive depression, life becomes something with which they can no longer cope. They tend to withdraw from life and social situations as much as possible.

Physical depression seems to occur for no apparent reason. It is believed that this form of depression may result from biochemical processes within the brain.

In any case, certain symptoms are usually present. These symptoms include anxiety, helplessness, fatigue, tension and a feeling of hopelessness. A person suffering from depression tends to feel guilty and worthless. They may suffer from insomnia or have intermittent crying spells. Their appetite may fluctuate in extremes from not eating to overeating. Not all people who suffer from depression are suicidal but many are. A suicide attempt is a cry for help. Whenever someone threatens to attempt suicide we must always take that threat seriously.

I knew that my son was depressed over the relationship with his ex-girlfriend and being out of work, but I never thought he would attempt suicide. I know now that it was a cry for help.

Anyone, at anytime, may attempt suicide—sometimes even those we least expect. There are certain risk factors to look for in those suffering from a form of depression. People who have made one suicide attempt are more likely to make another. Those who suffer from alcoholism or drug addiction may be more likely to attempt suicide. Also at risk are those suffering from a terminal illness and those who are having an extremely difficult time coping with the loss of a loved one. An interesting fact that I discovered is that the suicide rate in males is higher than that of females.

Make sure that you are open to any little clues that may indicate that someone is contemplating suicide. My son had called his ex-girlfriend to say good-bye. Clues such as this can provide us with insight into what a depressed person may be planning. They may contact people that they are close to or start giving away personal items that they have a strong attachment to.

If you know someone who is suffering from depression, pay close attention to their words and actions. Be open and aware of any signs that may indicate contemplation of suicide. Try to talk them into getting help. Urge them to talk about their feelings and take the time to really listen. Try to get them to talk to you, a family member, a friend or a psychiatrist. Let them know how much they are loved and needed. Many forms of depression can be treated effectively with medication. By being aware of the signs and symptoms of depression and possible suicide, we may be able to save a life.