Government website now offers 'suicide warning signs' for victims of recession

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Government website now offers 'suicide warning signs' for victims of recession

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Government_website_offers_suicide_warning_signs_0331.html



When the government starts warning you not to commit suicide, you know things have gotten bad.

The US Department of Health and Human Services now has a webpage for the current recession, "Getting Through Tough Economic Times." Headlined under the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (www.samhsa.gov/economy/), the guide offers tips on "how to deal with the effects financial difficulties can have on your physical and mental health." The site went public Tuesday.

Among the deleterious health effects the recession may spawn, the government says, is suicide.

"Unemployment and other kinds of financial distress do not 'cause' suicide directly, but they can be factors that interact dynamically within individuals and affect their risk for suicide," the site says. "These financial factors can cause strong feelings such as humiliation and despair, which can precipitate suicidal thoughts or actions among those who may already be vulnerable to having these feelings because of life-experiences or underlying mental or emotional conditions (e.g., depression, bi-polar disorder) that place them at greater risk of suicide."

[Deja Q]

1. Bookmarked.

I'd rather see middle class jobs of any sort; where work and workers are valued. That'd nix this suicide stuff altogether.

In theory.

[county worker]

2. It happened to me in the past. Financial loss brought on by unemployment

lead to clinical depression which lead to suicidal thinking. I ended up in a safe house and learned about treatment. That year we lost our condo and I thought my wife was going leave me. I thought I was going to be homeless and alone.

The best thing I can tell people is to seek professional help. Don't listen to those who tell you to "snap out of it." Matter of fact you can't listen to many here on DU about it since they try to tell people to stay away from meds.

What I learned is a great lesson for me. When you are in the depths of hopelessness, do something to make your future better. There is no guarantee that it will work but if you don't do something there is a guarantee that it won't get better. Don't wait for the government to save you. Just keep trying things and don't give up!

[hlthe2b]

4. Good advice...

:thumbsup:

ANd good on you! Thanks for sharing your story.

[tinkerbell41]

3. Thought about it

I've been out of work since August, in the Trades, on a book system.
The job calls are not coming in. Tried to find a second job waiting tables, did it on and off for 20 yrs or more, can't even get hired doing that. I lost my Mother and Maternal Grandmother in the last 2 yrs. My support system is gone, my only child left for college this year, some days I feel hopeless, BUT I still have Health Insurance, still have my home, and my health.
There are some days i just can't go outside and face anything, other days I wake up and have a renewed outlook, and become very productive (yardwork, job hunting). I have never been in this position where i couldn't dig myself out, I have always been able to support my family,THINGS ARE BAD!!!:scared:

[hlthe2b]

5. I understand tinkerbell41

I'll spare you the platitudes, but know that you are not alone. Hang in there. You want to be there when we ALL finally turn the corner.

[tinkerbell41]

6. YES I DO!!!

I lived thru the goodtimes, and BOY were they good!!!!