Increasing unemployment, home foreclosures and financial strain can take a toll on vulnerable individuals, leading to depression and possibly suicide.
In the United States, there are about 32,000 deaths attributed to suicide a year and with unemployment at 8.5 percent and a recession, there is estimated to be an additional 1,200 suicides.
A chain of adversity can begin with job loss and move toward depression through financial strain and the loss of personal control, according to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. This chain can lead to negative social, health and mental health outcomes, including depression, which increases suicide risk.
In Ohio, 73 out of 88 counties, including Athens County, have suicide prevention coalitions. Ninety percent of the suicides in Ohio are related to undiagnosed mental illness or depression, said Carolyn Givens, executive director for the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.
There are elements where during difficult economic times, people become isolated or hopeless with their personal situations, whether it is because of the loss of a job or a home foreclosure.
Most of us can deal with that pain
but those who are impacted with depression or other mental illness have a difficult time Givens said. Particularly if they are not having the depression treated.
As social individuals, we like to be connected to something and we relate our jobs to a status of who we are, she added.
A year after the 1929 stock market crash, there was a 25 percent unemployment rate with a 20 percent suicide rate. Unemployment attributes to suicide risk, but does not cause suicide on its own.
Although the economic downturn is insufficient to cause depression, the loss of a job, the possible dissolution of a marriage as a result of financial strain and increased drinking or self-medicating can increase an individual's vulnerability.
I would be irresponsible if I just said the economy and unemployment are responsible for people killing themselves and each other Givens said.
At Ohio University, students do not generally seek help for recession-related issues, but concerns about the economy may play a part in how stressed they feel.
I've never had anyone who came in here because of the recession
but I may have a student who has come in and says 'I am feeling overwhelmed' and this is one aspect
said Dr. Sheila Williams, counselor at Counseling and Psychological Services.
The two primary issues help-seeking students have are depression and anxiety.
I would think that an increase in those two issues might result from some of the increased stresses that people are feeling
Williams said, adding that these stresses could be difficulty finding employment or feeling a responsibility to try to contribute financially at home.
There are warning signs people exhibit when they are at risk for suicide, which include suffering from the loss of a job, end of a relationship, or death, feelings of hopelessness, an abrupt or sudden change in personality, restlessness, lost interest in hobbies, and a previous suicide attempt, according to the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.
Treatment can help people who are at risk for suicide or struggle with depression and anxiety.
Individuals who need help can call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
We have to make sure we are equipped to take care of people in need
Givens said.
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Emilie Schneider
