Stress, anxiety and depression can have an ill effect on the body and specifically the heart. Patients who reported symptoms of depression had much worse blood vessel function that those who did not have depression. This explains why depression is a known risk factor for bad outcomes in people with heart disease.
While much more research is needed, these preliminary findings seem to show that there is indeed an increased physical link between depression and heart problems including cardiac arrest and even death. Patients who took anti-depressants, however, did not suffer from the same diagnosis. This may show that once the symptoms of depression are gone the heart is no longer at an increased risk.

Depression like worry and stress takes its toll on the body. The body produces additional hormones to deal with the pressures. In effect, the body is always in a state of ready, making it less effective at dealing with other invasions. Increased heart rate and high blood pressure can cause the heart to work harder than it should most of the time. The internal structures can weaken from this constant overuse.

The best way to deal with the added stress on the heart is by taking away the cause. Removing stress and depression symptoms will put the body back on track and avoid the increased risks. If you are depressed you should seek medical attention.

The best course of treatment for depression is often several pronged. It includes psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes to be effective. Healthy living should include a good diet and exercise plan that involves daily activity. Sometimes mild depression can be treated without medication when lifestyle changes are followed. Medications that are commonly used to help treat depression are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These include the common prescription medications Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac and Celexa.

If you suffer from depression you should talk to your doctor about the link between depression and heart disease. You should be tested for possible heart disorders such as high blood pressure, blood vessel function and heart function. These tests can help provide a clear picture of the best method of treatment. Other factors that influence your heart health include heredity, weight, smoking and other risk factors.

It is possible to prevent suicide. In most cases there are warning signs that the person is contemplating to attempt suicide.  The most effective way to prevent suicide is to recognize the warning signs and take action to help the person in need.

Serious warning signs of suicide include:

· talking about killing themselves
· a preoccupation with death, always talking about death
· making comments that they feel they are in a hopeless situation, feel worthless or helpless
· Making statements such as “things would be better if I wasn’t here” or “I need to get out”
· Depression that worsens.  It may be characterized by deep sadness, loss of interest and trouble eating or sleeping.
· Sudden mood changes between being extrememly sad to calm and happy
· Taking risks that could lead to death or having a death wish
· Losing interest in things the person used to care about
· Trying to put their affairs in order and making a will
· Saying goodbye or writing goodbye letters

You should be particularly concerned if the individual displays these warning signs and has already attempted suicide in the past.  Between 20 and 50% of people who commit suicide have already attempted suicide on another occasion.

What you can do
If you fear for someone’s safety it is always best to act.  Take someone’s suicide actions or words seriously.  Listen to what the person is saying.  Ask them what they are planning without being judgmental towards them. Instead, provide a safe place that they can discuss their feelings openly.  Let the person know that you care and that you understand and are listening.  Avoid statements such as “you have so much to live for” and “your kids/husband/parents need you”.

The best thing to do once you have determined that someone may be suicidal is to seek help.  Encourage the person to get the help of a qualified mental health professional.  They may not feel they can be helped so it is important to be insistant.  Offer to take them to the apppointment.

If someone seems to be immediately in danger of commiting suicide do not leave them alone.  Remove anything that they could try to use to harm themselves such as knives, drugs or anything that could be used as a weapon.  Take the person to the closest emergency room. Support your friend throughout any treatment and encourage them to continue treatment as needed. This may include anitdepressant medications as well as continued therapy.