September marks national suicide awareness month. According to the CDC, over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022, which was about one death every 11 minutes.1 As clinicians, we are often on the frontline and one of the first to notice someone struggling with depression. As we see our patients through a comprehensive lens more often, what are some of the signs that we can look for?
- Changes in Mood: Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness. This might also include irritability or mood swings.
- Behavioral Changes/Skipping Appointments: Withdrawal from social activities, dental appointments, friends, and family. Individuals might become more isolated or display a noticeable lack of interest in things they once enjoyed.
- Decline in oral health: The lack of oral homecare and persistent decline in oral hygiene
- Changes in Sleep Patterns: Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much) can be significant indicators of depression.
- Appetite Changes: Noticeable weight loss or gain, or changes in eating habits.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or lack of energy, even after adequate rest.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble with focus, memory, or decision-making.
- Physical Complaints: Unexplained aches and pains might not have a clear medical cause.
- Negative Self-Talk: Expressions of worthlessness, excessive guilt, or self-blame.
- Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors: Any mention of suicide, self-harm, or feelings of being a burden to others should be taken very seriously.
- Changes in Personal Hygiene: Neglecting personal care or a decline in grooming habits.
From a clinician’s standpoint, preventing suicide involves several key strategies:
- Identifying and addressing risk factors such as mental health disorders or substance abuse
- Conducting thorough assessments of patients to evaluate suicide risk
- Developing safety plans by providing access to appropriate mental health care and ensuring ongoing support and follow-up care for individuals at risk.
It’s also important to educate patients and their support systems about warning signs and how to seek help. Being vigilant about these signs, especially in combination, can help in early identification and intervention. Creating a supportive environment where patients feel safe expressing their struggles is also crucial. Regular check-ins and open conversations about mental health can make a significant difference in how people think and respond. Having a depression questionnaire as part of your patient intake forms would be a great starting point for preventing suicide and offering support that they might not get at home. There is also a level of trust in the provider-patient relationship. If you are expecting that one of your patients is experiencing depression, it is okay to ask how they are doing. Having the proper listening skills and advocating for them is so important. If you feel that a patient has reached a level that is problematic, you can contact their spouse or loved one. You may save their life!
If you or someone you know is suspected of having suicidal thoughts or depression, you can find resources online:
Wellness | American Dental Association (ada.org)
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