Title: PSTD and Suicide - EverydayHealth.com
Headings: PTSD and Suicide Risk
PTSD and Suicide Risk
PTSD: Understanding the Suicide Link
PTSD: How to Safeguard Yourself
PTSD: What Caregivers Can Do
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Content: "People who have been traumatized generally go into a shell," notes Seif. They often appear visibly withdrawn and depressed. Not surprisingly, people who become socially isolated are at particular risk of suicide. There is also the potential for the anger associated with PTSD to evolve into full-blown rage, notes Seif, adding that when that happens, the sufferer "can hurt [himself] or another person." People with other anxiety disorders, Seif says, may fear harming others or themselves, but they rarely do — they are very controlled. People with PTSD, however, are less able to maintain control over their actions. This tendency to act rashly makes people with PTSD more prone to suicide. Other factors that may contribute to that risk include: Co-existing depression in addition to the anxiety symptoms of PTSD may be linked to greater suicide risk. People who suppress stress instead of managing negative emotions may be more likely to commit suicide.