Mesothelioma Nurse Discusses Suicide Prevention Resources

• Lisa Hyde-Barrett
• Nurse's Corner

Recently, two very public figures, who looked like they had it all, committed suicide. Those closest to them revealed that they had struggled with their demons for many years. When someone is a celebrity we think we “know” them: we know their work, but we do not know them.

This is a wake-up call for all of us to be more aware of how we and our loved ones are really feeling. Suicide happens because the person wants their overwhelming ‘pain’ to end. According to research,  90% of people who die by suicide have an existing mental illness or substance abuse problem at the time of their death.

Depression and depressive illness are mood disorders of the brain. It is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, a disruption of the brain’s balance. The two chemicals that are thought to be imbalanced are serotonin and norepinephrine. It is not a weakness, or a character problem. The important thing to note is that depression can be successfully  treated.

The number of people who seek treatment for an episode of major depression in the U.S. is only 50% of the total that suffer from depression. According to the National Alliance of Mental Health, 80% to 90% of people who seek treatment for depression are treated successfully using therapy and/or medication.

People diagnosed with cancer have a nearly two-times a higher suicide rate than the general population. Being diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma is a life-altering event. There are treatment options, but the options need to include the whole person. Everyone needs to know that when things are looking hopeless or they are in unbearable physical or emotional pain there is help. The feelings are real, but there are treatments that work.

Not to be forgotten, are the families of patients who are being treated for mesothelioma and those who have lost loved ones from mesothelioma. For them, the pain of the loss coupled with other existing issues might make suicide seem like the only option to stop their pain. It is vital for all to realize there is help available and the help does work!

RESOURCES:

www.Save.org –  Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Local Emergency Rooms can also help find you help.