DENVER-State health officials Tuesday reported that depression is the most common mental illness linked to suicide. According to Cindy Hodge, acting suicide director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Office of Suicide Prevention, between 70-90 percent of all suicide deaths are the result of untreated or under treated mental health illness. Colorado loses approximately 700 of its citizens each year to suicide and ranks 7th among states as a result of this number of annual suicide deaths.

Hodge explained that depression is a potentially life-threatening mood disorder that affects up to 19 million Americans each year. In Colorado, that would mean that a significant number of family members, friends and neighbors could be affected by depression this year. Many people suffering from depression may not even realize that they have a treatable illness, she said.

"Misperceptions by the public about depression being something you can 'just get over', contributes to feelings of isolation and stigma that dissuade individuals from seeking help. Unfortunately, fewer than half of those suffering from depression seek treatment," Hodge said.

Hodge emphasized that depression is treatable. More than 80 percent of those seeking treatment show improvement, she said.

Hodge provided the following symptoms of depression and urged individuals who are experiencing the symptoms or know of someone who is, to seek professional assistance.

The symptoms included:

~ Symptoms of Depression

~ Persistently sad, anxious or empty moods

~ Loss of pleasure in usual activities

~ Feelings of helplessness, guilt or worthlessness

~ Crying, hopelessness, or persistent pessimism

~ Fatigue or decreased energy

~ Restlessness, irritability

~ Loss of memory, concentration, or decision-making capability

~ Sleep disturbances

~ Change in appetite or weight

~ Physical symptoms that defy diagnosis and do not respond to treatment

~ Thoughts of suicide, death, or suicide attempts

~ Poor self-image or esteem

Hodge explained that sometimes severe depression will cause such feelings of overwhelming pain that individuals can have thoughts of suicide. "Suicidal people do not want to die. They want to end their pain," she stressed.

"If someone you care about is experiencing significant changes in behavior, feelings of hopelessness, a preoccupation with death or dying, changes in sleeping or eating patterns, or making suicidal statements, please call 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or your local mental health center for consultation. Be aware and don't be afraid to ask the person you care about if they are thinking about suicide," she said.

The Office of Suicide Prevention works closely with the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado, the Mental Health Association of Colorado and the Colorado Division of Mental Health to work toward addressing the stigma associated with depression and suicide.

"There is hope and there is help," Hodge concluded.

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