ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Orange Beach Police identified Friday’s suicide victim as Gulf Shores resident John David Coddington.

The 64-year-old, self-employed contractor was found inside his vehicle Friday at the city of Orange Beach Community Development Building dead from a self-inflicted head wound.

Orange Beach assistant police Chief Greg Duck said it appeared Coddington was dealing with personal issues, including financial difficulty.

However, it is still a mystery as to why Coddington saw no other solution but suicide, and concerns of the economy raise concerns for Americans.

Licensed psychologist Kim Whitchard said in light of the nationwide financial downturn a trend of suicidal thoughts is on the rise.

“I have a lot of clients come in who think that things would be a lot easier if they didn’t have to struggle every day,” Whitchard said. “People are feeling more powerless and more helpless because of the economy.”

Whitchard, owner of Gulf Coast Counseling Services, LLC in Foley, said a multitude of factors can lead a person to suicide.

“Things pile up and they don’t see that there’s a way out, they don’t see any solutions to their problems,” she said. “People develop a deep sense of hopelessness and helplessness.”

Feeling hopeless and deeply depressed are key symptoms that suicide could be on the horizon.

Isolation from family and friends, having emotional conversations and saying goodbye are all actions that should raise a red flag.

Also, someone may be inclined to give their possessions away and withdraw from any activities if they are feeling depressed or hopeless.

Hallucinations and voices encouraging the dangerous act also ensue.

“Get help, don’t wait,” Whitchard said. “They lose perspective and rational thought goes out the window.”

People begin seeing suicide as the only option to rid themselves of the pain they are feeling.

“Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem,” Whitchard said. “There is always another day to find another solution.”

At the first thoughts of suicide get help immediately.

Whitchard said going directly to the emergency room will be the quickest treatment.

A patient will be evaluated, monitored and referred to their needed assistance. A person can also make an appointment with a mental health specialist or they can contact the Baldwin County Mental Health Center.

Since the popular cause of depression recently is financial stress, cheaper solutions may be required. The county center will work with a patient for a payment plan.

A 24-hour suicide crisis hotline will offer free counseling over the phone, the ER will not turn away a patient regardless of finances and family and friends are a good source to find comfort.

“The key is to not isolate yourself and get to the point where suicide becomes the only solution,” Whitchard said. “If you have that external objective input, it might help you to see there’s other options out there.”

Orange Beach City Administrator Ken Grimes said the city spent Monday meeting with city employees and counseled them on their feelings about Friday’s incident.

He also said the city was offering advice to those who were or knew some who may be experiencing suicidal urges.

“There is no shame in thinking about suicide, we’ve all had thoughts,” Whitchard said. “The important thing is to reach out.”