How to Recognize and Respond to Suicide Warning Signs

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NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS – Police reports regarding “suspected suicides” have emerged as a recurring national headline over the past month – raising alarm among authorities, health professionals, and the community.

Our Denielle Miller spoke to a family therapist to explore how to recognize if you or a loved one is experiencing one of the primary factors contributing to suicide incidents – depression.

In the past month, the nation has reported a total of three suspected suicides.

A 39-year-old woman, along with two men–one in his early twenties and the other 42 years of age.

These incidents have sent shockwaves throughout the local community.

Public Affairs Communication Department representative for the Royal Bahamas Police Force inspector Jerard Culmer has issued this appeal to the public from the most recent scene.

“If you are feeling depressed, if you’re feeling depressed we want to ask you please, please seek medical health medical attention.“

But what are the indicators of depression?

I consulted with licensed marriage and family therapist Dr. Edrica Richardson for insight.

She revealed that many people in our society are suffering from functional depression.

“And functional depression is the idea of the person who goes to work everyday even puts a smile on their face. But goes home and I call it get under the sheets and don’t get back up until the alarm goes off the next morning.”

Richardson further explaining the symptoms – some can be as simple as not feeling like yourself, loss of appetite and others extreme measures like disconnecting from others.

“They may not eat, they may not even brush their teeth, they may not answer the phone call, they just have enough energy to show up for the thing that they’re required to do but anything other than that they’re not doing.”

How should one address mental illness? Dr. Richardson recommends seeking professional medical assistance. She also suggests prioritizing connections with friends and family, as well as incorporating spontaneity into your schedule.

“It can be as simple as instead of taking one route to work take a scenic route instead, or catching one bus that you know is always hectic catch another one small changes like that can be an easy small start.”