It is important to identify the potential risk factors of major depression or suicide to prevent any unwanted tragedy from occurring.

Some of the typical risk factors of depression and suicide include:

• Substance abuse – More often than not individuals who are significantly depressed will turn to illegal drugs to help them numb the sadness that they feel. And it’s not only drugs they tend to utilize, some will resort to alcohol abuse or even both drugs and alcohol to help them get through life with less despair, hopelessness and sadness which they have to endure each moment of their life. However, the numbness is a short-term fix and a really bad idea since substance abuse almost always adds to the symptoms of depression as well as precipitate the risk of suicide.

• Family history – If you have a family history of violence that involves sexual or physical abuse or suicide, a family history of mental illness or a family history of divorce, separation or substance abuse you are a potential candidate for suffering from major or clinical depression.

• Firearms possession – Statistics show that around half of those who committed suicide used a firearm to kill themselves.

• Older people suffering from depression – Statistics reveal that about 15% of suicides are committed by people 65 years and older.

Symptoms of Suicidal Thoughts

One of the telling signs that a person is suffering from severe depression is their verbal repeating of the desire to end their life or their seeming obsession about dying or death. Some depressed individuals may also provide a sign of their depression and suicidal thoughts when they start giving all of their personal possessions and belongings.

Others who may exhibit serious depression can all of a sudden display contentment, joy or cheerfulness which if you dig a little more to the reason for their seemingly positive attitude may indicate that they have in fact finalized or customized a plan to kill themselves.

Certain medications can also induce a feeling of depression and suicidal ideations.  Bizarre as it may seem but antidepressants have actually been known to produce side effects that lead to thoughts of suicide.

Perhaps the greatest risk factor for suicide among clinically and seriously depressed people is when their depression is left untreated.  Again, statistics have shown that a great number of suicides had mental illness that was easily diagnosable.

If you identify any kind of depression or suicide symptoms or signs in a person or even yourself it is imperative that you look for medical help as soon as possible – you should know that all types of mental illness especially depression can be successfully addressed through professional assistance. You can call 1-800- SUICIDE if you want to help someone you know who suffers from thoughts of suicide.