Overcoming Challenges: Understanding Depression and Suicide Prevention

Life is filled with soaring ups and dispiriting downs. We're wired to seek positive solutions, but our approaches to life's difficulties can have varying degrees of success. 

Some solutions work well, but other methods may only work temporarily. With time they might become worse than the original problem, possibly leading us to feel helpless and hopeless—a key risk associated with suicidal ideation (thinking about, considering, or planning suicide).

“Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone,” says Dr. Tom Hofmann, PhD, director of Lee Physician Group Behavioral Health Training and Education. “They don’t discriminate for age, gender or background. But they should not be considered normal and often point to deeper problems.”

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, Dr. Hofmann offers some perspective on this critical public health issue and how we can safeguard our mental health during life’s most challenging moments when our solutions may fail us.

Solutions as a deceptive escape

Sometimes the solutions we turn to for immediate relief can lead to more significant problems down the road. Dr. Hofmann offers smoking as an example of a deceptive escape.

“Smoking is often seen as a quick fix for stress relief. Initially, it may provide a temporary escape from internal pressures,” he says. “However, as time passes, the negative health effects of prolonged smoking begin to accumulate. By the time these issues become apparent, many smokers have developed a nicotine addiction and a deeply ingrained habit, making it challenging to quit.”

Depression: when coping becomes counterproductive

Becoming depressed is another type of response to situations that overwhelm us. Dr. Hofmann says for some of us, depression sometimes begins as a learned behavior.

Depression is a complex mental disorder that can be caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, Dr. Hofmann says.

“But for many of us, depression can temporarily assist in coping with being overwhelmed, avoiding difficult situations and avoiding many other problems of life,” he says. “The problem, as with smoking, is it can, over time, become an automatic habit when we don’t use our brain to consciously choose it. If this behavior becomes habitual, it can lead to a cycle of avoidance and increased difficulty engaging with the world.”

What starts as a temporary solution can evolve into a persistent state that feels beyond our control.

Understanding suicidal ideation: a closer look

Research suggests that most people who die by suicide have a mental health or substance use issue, often accompanied by severe depression. Dr. Hofmann says that suicidal thoughts typically arise when a person feels they've exhausted all other options for ending their pain.

“Ironically, the mind proposes a permanent solution to a problem causing temporary discomfort,” he says. 

Dr. Hofmann says the decision to commit suicide is often an impulsive act, but thoughts about suicide can build over time.

“Most people who contemplate suicide are ambivalent, having reasons both for and against it,” he says. “The impulse to act on suicidal thoughts can be short-lived. That’s why suicide hotline operators are trained to keep a person considering suicide on the phone talking because the impulse can recede, even in 10 or 20 minutes.”

Reframing our expectations of life

One common misconception is that a good life should be mostly happy, according to Dr. Hofmann. While happiness is certainly important, it's equally vital to recognize that life is inherently challenging. True life satisfaction often comes from having a sense of purpose and finding meaning in the problems we solve and the challenges we overcome, he says. 

“It’s important to keep top of mind that depression itself causes the hopelessness that makes the normally efficient brain see only one way out of the situation,” he says. “Depression narrows a person's perceptions significantly and points them in a much more negative and pessimistic way than perceptions of actual reality would.

“As a therapist, I've had many depressed people over the years tell me they didn’t believe in positive thinking. My response, which surprised many, was that I didn’t want to inspire them to think positively, necessarily. I wanted them to think rationally and practically. 

“That’s because people who are depressed look at their world in a limited and negative way even though their brain tells them they see the world objectively. Just to see the world more realistically would open many doors.” 

Hope and help are available

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, it's essential to remember that effective solutions exist, no matter how many unsuccessful attempts have been made in the past. Professional help, support networks, and even experimental treatments can offer new paths forward.

Strategies for coping with life's challenges

• Seek professional help: Mental health professionals can provide valuable tools and support for managing depression and suicidal thoughts.
• Build a support network: Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide emotional stability and different perspectives on your challenges.
• Develop healthy coping mechanisms: Exercise, meditation, journaling, or creative pursuits can offer positive outlets for stress and emotional pain.
• Set small, achievable goals: Breaking larger problems into smaller, manageable tasks can help build confidence and a sense of progress.
• Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself as you navigate life's difficulties. Remember that everyone faces challenges, and it's okay to struggle sometimes.
• Explore purpose and meaning: Engage in activities or causes that align with your values and give you a sense of fulfillment.
• Stay connected: Reach out to others, even when you feel like isolating. Sometimes, a simple conversation can shift your perspective.
• Educate yourself: Learning about mental health, depression, and coping strategies can empower you to better understand and manage your experiences.

Remember, life's challenges are universal (you are not alone and everyone has faced depressing thoughts), but so is our capacity for resilience and growth. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out for help. There are always alternatives and people ready to support you, even when things seem darkest. Your life has value, and with the right help and perspective, you can find your way through the difficulties you face.

If you are in a crisis

The statistics on suicide are staggering. The age-adjusted suicide rate in 2022 was 14.21 per 100,000 individuals. If you are in a crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Lifeline provides confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. 

Support is also available via live chat. Para ayuda en español, llame al 988. 

How are you feeling?

If the answer is “overwhelmed with emotions” like sadness, depression, or anxiety, reach out to our experienced, compassionate professionals at Lee Health Behavioral Services at 239-343-918