suicide attempt

[warpig3]

firstly I don't want to get into a debate on the rights or wrongs of suicide, I would just like some info or enlightenment.

I was speaking to an acquaintance yesterday who told me that she had attempted suicide last Wed following some bad news. She stated it very matter-of-factly and I was lost for words as to what to say. I understand that she has made 3 previous attempts prior to this. She has suffered from depression for many years, has an alcohol dependency and basically from what I can gather has had a pretty sh*t life and nothing seems to go right for her.

Please excuse my ignorance or insensitivity but I was wondering is it possible for someone to be so constantly depressed that this is always at the back of their mind and the smallest thing is enough to push them over the edge (practically then and there by her account) or is it something that would be contemplated long and hard before hand? Or does it just depend on the situation?

Thanks in advance for your answers.
warpig

[sandyg2244]

What I found strange when doing a suicide first aid course is that some people who committ suicide aren't even depressed.Something traumatic happens and bang, that's the solution.On the other hand, Not everyone who's depressed will even contemplate suicide.The major factor with people who actually go on to contemplate it or even do it is the loss of hope about life in general.Without hope, what is there? its true I suppose.

[sandyg2244]

Another thing, that rings true about the police officer's scenario:some people go into a very deep clinical depression, its when it lifts that they are in a position to make those decisions to take their own life,when they appear brighter than usual etc, all warning signs.Every person is different and the threat should never be taken lightly, thats why professional help is the only option.

[warpig3]

Update.

Well, went to see her last night and she seemed pretty calm although a little emotional at times. It appears that she took some paracetemol (she didn't say how many) and then after half an hour made herself sick and brought them back up. She didn't contact anyone and no one else knows about it, not even her partner.

I asked if she had spoken to her doctor and she said 'not yet'. I tried to explain that she should talk to someone professional and she said that she would make an appt today but to be honest there was no conviction in her statement. She was also a little blase (or so it seemed to me), adding that it had happened before and no doubt would happen again, so I am not sure what to make of it. I offered to go to the doctor with her but she said she would be fine and not to worry.

I have asked her to ring me if she needs to talk and she understands that I will support her as much as I can, given my own circumstances.

So I reckon I have done all I can for now and am hoping that this is just a blip, but I guess only time will tell.

warpig

[Bathsheba]

Ah bless her. Thanks for the update warpig.Psychick's had her baby!!! Some nice news! Ooray!!!xxx