FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death, according to federal health data.
“That is a sign that depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms are really severe,” said Dr. Amy Parks, the Executive Director of NAMI Fresno.
A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association looked at how loneliness and feelings of depression and anxiety are linked to suicide.
Researchers looked at over 62,000 U.S. adults and they found that about 6 percent of people reported some level of suicidal thoughts, and it appeared that loneliness did play a role.
“For many, many people, when they live with depression and or anxiety, it can make it difficult to feel connected,” said Dr. Parks.
The study also revealed that symptoms of anxiety accounted for 25% of the link, with depression making up about 10%.
Dr. Parks says while depression and anxiety don’t exactly go hand in hand, oftentimes people can experience both feelings.
“Depression can make you feel intense emotional pain and despair,” said Dr. Parks. “Anxiety can make you feel agitated, and it could increase those negative thoughts.”
In 2023, more than 49,000 people died by suicide. That same year, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness and isolation an epidemic, with one in two adults in the country reporting they experience loneliness.
“But you don’t feel like you have support, you don’t have friends, you don’t have family,” said Dr. Parks. “That can sometimes incorrectly validate those feelings that we have.”
Health experts say it’s not easy to change our mindset overnight. Seeking and reaching out for help is a good first step.
Dr. Parks also stresses looking out for signs that our loved ones might be struggling.
“They stop doing the things they used to be interested in or enjoy,” said Dr. Parks. “They might be sleeping more or sleeping less, eating more or eating less.”
Dr. Parks says, you are not alone in your struggles. She adds it’s important to take things one day at a time, give yourself some patience and grace.
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