Depression and addiction are two topics of conversation that can be very hard to talk about when you suffer from them. Part of you may want the words “Help Me!” to come tumbling out whilst the other part of you fights to keep them in.
The tragic stigma that is attached to both mental health illness and addiction keeps those who need help most in an awkward silence. Shame, fear and guilt take over.
What about those that do ask for help, are they not often dismissed as attention seekers? Are their pleas for help not readily dismissed as it makes others uncomfortable?
The reality is that both addiction and depression combined together are a lethal combination.
We urge anyone that is suffering from addiction, depression and especially both to ask for help. Approaching a professional can be the first step to recovery and the healing can then begin.
UK Men Are Three Times More Likely To Commit Suicide Than UK Women
A Samaritans study conducted last year revealed that suicide is the number one killer of men who die under the age of 45.
According to the study, men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. In Ireland the statistics are even higher with men four times as likely to take their own life than women.
It is clear from suicide statistics, not only within the UK but in other parts of the world, that men in particular find it extremely difficult to talk about their feelings and ask for help.
In 2017 a shocking 6,213 suicides were recorded in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Middle aged men aged 45-49 within the UK have been identified as being the highest risk of suicide. These statistics really hit home. Just think of all the lives that could have been saved if the correct professional help was made readily available and we were encouraged to speak about our feelings more.
Is Suicide Selfish?
How many times have you seen a response to a social media post or heard a response to news of an individual taking their own life being labelled as selfish? It happens all too often and it is this kind of judgemental mentality that can stop those who need help from expressing how they truly feel.
The truth is that any individual that sees taking their own life as “an easy way out” is in unbearable pain and not thinking sanely or rationally. Suicide is not selfish – it is the action of an individual who in complete desperation sees no alternative way of ending their unbearable mental anguish.
Keith Flint Latest Celebrity To End His Own Life
It was only a week ago that Prodigy star Keith Flint was discovered unresponsive at his home in Essex aged just 49. Latest reports reveal that the popular musician committed suicide just days after splitting from his wife and putting his Essex farmhouse up for sale.
Keith tragically took his own life after battling depression and addiction
Keith had a history of drug and alcohol abuse and was known to party hard. Close friends and associates of the Prodigy frontman feared he would not reach his 40th birthday due to his drug and alcohol use. Keith openly admitted that he drank excessively and used cannabis, cocaine and prescription drugs. He also admitted to battling with his inner demons.
Keiths bandmate Liam Howlett took to Instagram to express his shock and anger over his beloved friends death. Liam said:
“The news is true, I can’t believe I’m saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend. I’m shell shocked, f***in angry, confused and heartbroken.”
Sadly, Keith’s suicide is another added to the shocking trend of male celebrities that have resorted to taking their own life. Notably, males that have suffered from alcoholism, addiction and depression.
Third of Drug Induced Fatalities In The US Are Suicides
The UK isn’t the only country facing a suicide and addiction related crisis. Data produced by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Trust for America’s Health and the Well Being Trust revealed that in 2017, of the 150,000 american fatalities, nearly a third (47,173) were suicides.
This is the highest level of US suicides since records first began in 1999.
Much like the UK the US have identified that middle aged Men between the ages of 35-54, are more likely to die from drugs or drug related suicide.
The Warning Signs of Suicide
Family members, friends and loved ones of individuals that have passed from taking their own life often ask themselves, “Could I have done more?”. This is an extremely difficult and sensitive question to answer but no one should feel responsible for someone taking their own life.
Sometimes there are no indications that an individual is planning to commit suicide. Depression and addiction often have two faces, the one presented to the world outside and the true one behind closed doors. However, Healthline have published the following warning signs of suicide to watch out for:
If someone you know is showing the warning signs of suicide, simply offering your support to help them access the correct treatment and help could be enough to help save a life.
Tell them you are concerned for their welfare and that you are available to listen and support them in any way that you can. If they are receptive and open up to you, please encourage them to seek professional treatment urgently.
Why are So Many Men Taking Their Life?
This is a crucial question that needs answering in the wake of these shocking statistics. Factors leading individuals to taking their own life can include:
- Untreated addiction
- Unresolved trauma
- Clinical depression and other mental health illnesses
- Financial difficulties
- Breakdown of an important relationship
- Bereavement of a family member or close friend
There can be many reasons an individual takes their own life but non will justify the action. Rehab Today feel It is more important to ask – What can we do to prevent it?
There is a definite stigma attached to expressing feelings and emotions openly amongst men. The saying – “Big boys don’t cry” comes to mind. Those that suffer from alcoholism and drug abuse tend to suppress feelings and emotions by self medicating.
Perhaps as a society we all need to take more responsibility and take time out of our hectic schedules to invest in ourselves and check in on others. Encouraging others who are experience a difficult time in life to talk openly and seek help if needed can indeed save lives.
We urge anyone who is experiencing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and despair to talk to a professional or someone they trust. Your feelings do matter and you do have a voice, please do not let fear of judgement or pride stop you asking for help.
Help For Someone With Depression, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
If you or a loved one are suffering from depression, alcoholism or drug abuse, please, please seek help. Rehab Today specialise in treating dual diagnosis mental health illnesses and substance abuse through our CQC registered private rehabs. Call us today and speak to an addiction expert who will be able to help you immediately.
If you do not have any funds available for rehab treatment or are contemplating taking your own life, please speak to someone, anyone. Suicidal ideation is more common that you think and you are not alone in the way you feel. Recovery from these feelings is possible with the correct treatment, support and care.
Recovery from suicidal thoughts and depression starts by admitting how you feel and asking for help from the correct sources of support.
Sources of support include:
- For confidential support in the UK, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.
- Your local A&E department
- National Suicide Prevention Alliance – http://www.nspa.org.uk/contact-us/
- Your GP
- Alcoholics Anonymous UK
- Narcotics Anonymous UK
- CALM – https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/get-help/suicide/
Sources:
Samaritans ,CALM, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), America’s Health and the Well Being Trust, Healthline, Samaritans.org
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/07/us/deaths-drugs-suicide-record.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6768751/Prodigy-star-Keith-Flint-dead-home-aged-49.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6774077/Suicide-drugs-alcohol-deaths-hit-record-high.html
https://www.samaritans.org/about-samaritans/research-policy/suicide-facts-and-figures/