A Star is Born - Alcoholism & Suicide

I was on a recent international flight and to make use of my time like most passengers, I used that opportunity to catch up on some movies. One of the movies that caught my attention was the Golden Globe and Academy Award nominated movie “A Star is Born.” The cast headlined by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga did an excellent job of making all the characters seem real by taking us through their personal journeys. Without spoiling the movie for those who have not seen it, some issues that were highlighted were the topics of alcoholism and suicide.

Many families have relatives who struggle or have struggled with alcohol use and/or have attempted or died by suicide. The movie did a great job also illustrating the impairment of social, personal, and occupational functioning as a result of alcoholism. As well as the disastrous effects on family members, friends, and colleagues who have to depend on this person for emotional and financial support.

Common signs of alcoholism:

• Attempted to cut down or eliminate drinking but had a hard time
• Drinking interferes with home, life, work, and school functioning
• Relationship problems with family and friends due to alcohol
• Drinking more, or longer than you planned
• Always having a strong urge to drink
• Risky behaviors due to drinking such as unsafe sex and reckless driving
• Continued drinking even though it makes you more depressed, anxious, or worsens another health   problem
• Drinking more than you once did to get the same effect
• Feelings of depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, or sensing things  that are not there when the effects of alcohol wears off

Common risk factors of suicide:

• Previous suicide attempts
• History of suicide in the family
• Financial or employment problems
• Declining physical health
• Substance abuse
• Loss of significant relationships
• Mental illness such as Depression and PTSD

If you or a loved one are experiencing issues with alcoholism and  thoughts of suicide, it is important to seek the care of a local healthcare professional for an assessment. There is no need to go through this alone. We are here to help.

Give Genesis Psychiatric Solutions a call at (703) 955-0915 or to schedule a free consultation visit www.gpsmindset.com

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(800) 273-TALK
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(800) 487-4889
www.samhsa.gov

Author

Dr. Ifeanyi Olele Ifeanyi Olele, DO, MBA, MS, is a board-certified psychiatrist who sees adolescent and adult patients in the greater Washington DC metropolitan area at Genesis Psychiatric Solutions. Dr. Olele is a dedicated psychiatrist in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma-related stress disorders, and attention deficit disorders. Dr. Ifeanyi Olele is one of the few psychiatrists who utilizes psychotherapy (talk therapy) as part of his treatment plan.