Mental Illness and Suicide

An overwhelming majority - 90 percent or more - of those who died by suicide suffered from a mental illness at the time of their death. However, these disorders were often not diagnosed, adequately treated or even recognized.

One of the most important conclusions from this statistics is the importance of learning how to recognize symptoms of mental disorders so that you or your loved one can get the support and help needed.Among those who die by suicide, depression is the most common. Certain symptoms of depression raise the risk of suicide, including:

• Desperation
• Hopelessness
• Feeling that one is a burden
• Loss of interest and pleasure
• Distorted or irrational thinking
• Anxiety attacks or intense anxiety associated with anxiety disorder

If you believe that you or a loved one is suffering from depression, or another form of mental illness, it is important to seek help. To learn more about mental illness, or to learn about mental health services offered at Orchard Place's Child Guidance Center, call (515) 244-2267 or fill out the form below.