Suicides and the Spring Time

Spring time is approaching... grass, plants, tress, leaves, flowers are going back to life again. There will be more sunlight, daylight is longer, more outdoor activities....these are some of the reasons I thought people are likely more happier and less depressed during Spring time. The truth about spring and suicide might surprise some people, which is exactly the problem.

There has always been a myth that suicides peak during the holidays(month of December and winter time) but it's actually just the opposite(this is according to Mental Health America). Research in US and Europe suggests suicide rate soar in the spring, with April and May among the most dangerous months for people who suffer from depression. It maybe related to brain chemicals ang light-for example, there is more sunlight in spring and the sun is closer to us, so the sunlight is better. Sunlight creates more serotonin- a brain chemical associated with good mood- while decreasing melatonin -a brain chemical associated with sleep. The question is why wouldn't this combination reduce the risk of suicide?

Seems when you are very depressed, you don't have the energy to act out your suicidal thoughts, it's all related to the energy to do it. So, it means spring suicides are tend to be more violent and more effective because of the increased energy boost. There's the energy to make the valid attempt.

Let us pay attention closely to our loved ones to suicide's warning sign. There are so many myths about suicide but the one that people who talk about it don't do it. NOt everyone who talks about suicide does it, but anybody who has done it has said something about it before. Watch for some behavioral signs and don't ignore them thinking it's spring and they feel better.

BEWARE OF WARNING SIGNS:

• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or having no purpose in life, along with a loss of interest of pleasure in doing things.
• A preoccupation with death, dying or violence, or talking about wanting to die.
• Seeking access to weapons, medications, or other means of killing oneself.
• Wide mood swings (feeling extremely "up" one day and terribly "down" the next).
• Feelings of great agitation, rage or uncontrolled anger, or wanting to get revenge.
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits (including withdrawing from family members and friends or suddenly becoming outgoing when the person is typically shy.
• Risky or self-destructive behavior, such as taking illegal drugs or driving recklessly
• Sudden calmness (when the person had made the decision to end his or her life).
• Life crises, traumas, or setbacks.
• Putting one's affairs in order - including giving away belongings, visiting family members and friends, drawing up a will or writing a suicide note. (source: American College of Emergency Physicians)