Information for Patients and Friends

 

About Suicide There are no scientific studies related to arachnoiditis and suicide. Opinions vary but it appears that the actual figure is low. Because there are complex factors associated with suicide, nothing definitive can be stated about it regarding arachnoiditis patients. Suicide is preventable. Unfortunately, undertreatment of chronic pain despite the fact that treatments are available has led to suicide among chronic pain patients. Associated factors linked to suicide may also include depression and the use of alcoholic beverages. For this reason, it is imperative to treat depression aggressively. Helpful therapies and effective medications are available. With improved pain management, the availability of support groups, and growing understanding about the role of opiods for treatment of intractable neuropathic pain as well as other helpful therapies for people with the disease, the risk of suicide among arachnoiditis sufferers can be dramatically reduced. Education about depression and signs to look for that may indicate the possibility of suicide can make the difference between life and death for patients. Recognizing its signs can be a vital part of suicide prevention.

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Suicide & Crisis Support from Befrienders International (OFF-SITE)

We thank Eric Jarvis, Assistant manager of BI Online for permission to link to this article.

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American Association of Suicidology (OFF-SITE)

Here are some ways to be helpful to someone who is threatening suicide:

Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.

Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.

Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad.

Don't lecture on the value of life.

Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.

Don't dare him or her to do it.

Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.

Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.

Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.

Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.

Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention

 

Information graciously provided by the American Association of Suicidology, 4201 Conneticut Avenue, NW, Suite 310, Washington DC 30008

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Suicide Facts (OFF-SITE)

National Institutes of Mental Health, for InteliHealth

General information on suicide that includes types of depression, treatments, and recent research findings.

 

We thank the office of Communications and Public Liaison of the National Insitute of Mental Health for permission to post this fact sheet.

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Suicide Hotlines & Resources (OFF-SITE)

Depression.com

Hotlines and resources that can help.

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Suicide Prevention and Depressive Disorders (OFF-SITE)

National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association

This is an excellent article with tips on how to understand and deal with thoughts of suicide and recognize suicidal tendencies and how to depressed persons thinking of suicide.

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