A Darker Side of Spring

Spring has finally arrived, the sun is out, flowers are blooming and all seems right in the world. For many of us, that is exactly what spring brings - warmth, renewal and the promise of a new season.

Unfortunately, spring also brings an increase in the suicide rate. A common myth is that suicide rates are highest during the winter holidays. In fact, late spring and early summer is the time for the most incidences of suicide. While suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is still a rare occurrence.

Arlington-based handles 55,000 calls per year, or about 125 to 130 calls per day, and the call numbers reach their peak in April. While CrisisLink's call volume has doubled over the past five years, according to a media representative, at least some of that increase is attributable to an “increased focus on mental health, more media awareness and more promotion of available services.”

There are many complex factors that could lead someone to contemplate taking their own life, including depression, job loss and economic hardship, being a victim of assault, abuse or bullying, alcohol or drug abuse or the diagnosis of a serious illness. Certain groups, such as caucasians, homosexuals and the elderly, are also more prone to attempt to commit suicide.

Richmond-based psychotherapist Mark Singer, PhD, LCSW says that feelings of isolation, loss, helplessness or hopelessness may lead to suicidal thoughts, especially during an active season like the spring. According to research studies, 90 percent of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable (and treatable) psychiatric disorder at the time of their death.

Scientists have been struggling to explain the connection between spring and suicide for years, and many theories seem to boil down to the idea that the warmer weather is the catalyst for action. Some posit that the increased sunlight and heat increase levels of serotonin or other chemicals in the body, which gives someone with depression enough additional energy to attempt suicide.

A recent study conducted by the University of Warwick in Britain, Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y. and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco between overall happiness and rates of suicide showed an inverse correlation. Many states with high levels of well-being (such as Hawaii) had high rates of suicide, while many states with low levels of well-being (such as New Jersey) had low suicide rates. Of course, there are exceptions, including West Virginia, which was in the bottom ten states for well-being but in the top ten for number of suicides.

What can you do? Be proactive and supportive. Look for warning signs, and if you think that there is danger, then talk to that person and just as important, listen to them. Support them and show them that someone does care for them. Remove the means (guns, sharp objects, pills). Make sure to get help. Organizations such as CrisisLink provide “free, confidential and non-judgmental assistance for people experiencing a crisis and looking for help.” CrisisLink also provides information and resources to people who are concerned about someone else.

What are the warning signs?

• Appearing depressed or sad most of the time.
  (Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.)

• Talking or writing about death or suicide.

• Withdrawing or feelings of isolation from family and friends.

• Feeling hopeless or of being trapped - like there is no way out of a situation.

• Feeling strong anger or rage.

• Experiencing dramatic mood changes.

• Abusing drugs or alcohol.

• Exhibiting a change in personality.

• Acting impulsively or recklessly.

• Losing interest in most activities.

• Not eating enough.

• Losing interest in most activities.

• Performing poorly at work or in school.

• Giving away prized possessions.

• Unexpectedly writing a will.

• Feeling excessive guilt or shame.

• Sleeping too much or too little.

Who can you or someone else turn to?

• CrisisLink Is the primary assistance provider for much of Northern Virginia, 703-527-4077.
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
• National Hopeline Network, 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).

Lastly, consider ways to get involved and help out! CrisisLink is always looking for volunteers and is currently recruiting for summer classes at the end of May.

Also, CrisisLink is partnering with Break Down Bullying for a teen-oriented anti-bullying event at Dave & Buster's in Bethesda on May 17.

For more information on these topics, visit:

• The Centers for Disease Control
• The Virginia Department of Health