Topical Deep Dives
Our writers explore topics and mechanisms with some evidence of biological or lifestyle concerns that may influence or be associated with suicide risks or prevention. These are topical areas worthy of further research, as well as awareness and consideration from physicians, therapists, and the public. As always, we’d love your input!
Chronic Illness, A Factor in Suicide Risk
By Meghan Bellamy In recent years CDC Statistics have reflected that eight of the top ten causes of death in the US were chronic illnesses, with the tenth being suicide. In 2020, that changed with the insertion of Covid pandemic deaths ranking third, yet chronic disease and suicide remain prominent causes of death in […]
Is there a role for physical activity in reducing suicide risk?
by Rachael Troughton, MSc, MBA In 2019, nearly 48,000 people died by suicide. Research reports that up to 25% of American adults have considered or attempted suicide. While 90% of people who die by suicide showed symptoms of a mental health condition, according to those close to them, only 46% were formally diagnosed. This means interventions that […]
Diet Matters: The Food-Mood Connection
by Alison Brown, MSc “Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food” – Hippocrates, 400 BC We are generally aware that our diets affect our physical health—after all, “you are what you eat” is a fairly common idiom. However, it’s interesting that 2000+ years passed before the mental health field focused on […]
Medications May Contribute to Suicide Risk
by Meghan Bellamy “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.” – Sir William Osler It’s already the final week of June! Summer crept up on us due to safer-at-home orders across the globe, and your body might be feeling it. From fresh-cut grass to blooming trees […]
Considering the Biology of Suicide in Autism
By Liz Bell April is Autism Awareness Month (AAM), a time to showcase the one in 54 Americans living with this neurobiological condition that affects behavior and social communication to widely varying degrees. While AAM is an opportunity to celebrate acceptance and the unique gifts and contributions of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), it […]
Sleep Matters
By Alison Brown, MSc. “O sleep, O gentle sleep, Nature’s soft nurse.” – William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 2 Sleep is an elusive, enigmatic activity. According to award-winning author Bill Bryson’s The Body, no one knows exactly why we sleep — to consolidate memories, reset the immune system, restore hormonal balance, or clear metabolic waste and neurotoxins? […]