THE BLUES: BEAUTIFUL TO LISTEN TO; DEVASTATING TO BEAR
Depression is not just the "blues," but is a serious medical condition and much more common than people think. It can result from the loss of a loved one, a break-up with a spouse or significant other, a large financial or other loss, ongoing financial stress, the loss of a job or house, academic problems, a serious medical diagnosis or ongoing poor health, social isolation, or a combination of some of these or other factors. Sometimes, when people receive overwhelmingly bad news or the ongoing stress seems too much to bear, some people see suicide as the only way out. Sadly, the people committing suicide never see the profound hurt they cause the people who care about them.
Depression is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, and is treatable. People and organizations are available to help. Seek help if you feel you may be depressed and need some assistance. Don't let suicide be the solution. These deaths are preventable.
In 2009, there were 123 suicide deaths in Travis County. Suicides involved all age ranges, from adolescents to the elderly.
Suicides by the age of the decedent (in years)
For more information
Integral Care
24/7 Crisis Hotline
(512) 472-HELP (4357)
(512) 703-1395 TTY
www.integralcare.org
(800) SUICIDE
(800) 784-2433
TTY: (800) 799-4TTY (4889)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(800) 273-TALK (8255)
Texas Suicide Prevention
- Shoal Creek - www.seton.net/locations/shoal_creek
- Texas Suicide Prevention - www.texassuicideprevention.org
- Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Support - www.suicide.org
- For Suicide Prevention and Emotional Crisis - www.suicidehotlines.com
- Suicide Awareness Voices of Education - www.save.org
- You're going to be OK, we're here to help - www.psychcentral.com
- All About Depression - www.allaboutdepression.com/index.html
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, (800) 273-TALK - www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org