Alexander McQueen suicide drug fueled; Suicide statistics and recognizing signs

According to the coroner, fashion designer Alexander McQueen's death was fueled by drugs.

Per a report issued by London coroner Paul Knapman and obtained by the BBC, the famed British fashion designer was "overwhelmed with grief" at his mother's death just days before and had taken cocaine. He also had anti anxiety medication, sleeping pills and tranquilizers in his system, all of which likely played a key role in his decision to kill himself at his London flat Feb. 11.

"[McQueen] had a history of self-harm and, no doubt fueled by cocaine, he resorted to desperate measures to end his life," Knapman wrote Wednesday, adding that "the balance of his mind was disturbed."

The coroner's report also quoted the 40-year-old designer's psychiatrist, Dr. Stephen Pereira, as saying McQueen had been diagnosed with mixed anxiety and depressive disorder and had insomnia, but failed to keep appointments to talk about his condition.

After his mother died in 2009, he said "felt that was the one link that had gone from his life and there was very little to live for."

There were approximately 5, 706 suicides in the United Kingdom last year and an estimated 33,000 in the United States.  6,100 of those came from poising or overdoses.  We are sure there we signs of this suicidal behavior including

•Excessive sadness or moodiness — Long-lasting sadness and mood swings can be symptoms of depression, a major risk factor for suicide.


•Sudden calmness — Suddenly becoming calm after a period of depression or moodiness can be a sign that the person has made a decision to end his or her life.

•Withdrawal — Choosing to be alone and avoiding friends or social activities also are possible symptoms of depression. This includes the loss of interest or pleasure in activities the person previously enjoyed.

•Changes in personality and/or appearance — A person who is considering suicide might exhibit a change in attitude or behavior, such as speaking or moving with unusual speed or slowness. In addition, the person might suddenly become less concerned about his or her personal appearance.

•Dangerous or self-harmful behavior — Potentially dangerous behavior, such as reckless driving, engaging in unsafe sex, and increased use of drugs and/or alcohol might indicate that the person no longer values his or her life.

•Recent trauma or life crisis — A major life crises might trigger a suicide attempt. Crises include the death of a loved one or pet, divorce or break-up of a relationship, diagnosis of a major illness, loss of a job, or serious financial problems.

•Making preparations — Often, a person considering suicide will begin to put his or her personal business in order. This might include visiting friends and family members, giving away personal possessions, making a will, and cleaning up his or her room or home. Some people will write a note before committing suicide.

•Threatening suicide — Not everyone who is considering suicide will say so, and not everyone who threatens suicide will follow through with it. However, every threat of suicide should be taken seriously.

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