WASHINGTON - March 31, 2009 - When the government starts warning you not to commit suicide, you know things have gotten bad.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services now has a webpage for the current Depression, "Getting Through Tough Economic Times." Headlined under the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, the guide offers tips on "how to deal with the effects financial difficulties can have on your physical and mental health." The site went public Tuesday.

Among the deleterious health effects the Depression may spawn, the government says, is suicide.

"Unemployment and other kinds of financial distress do not 'cause' suicide directly, but they can be factors that interact dynamically within individuals and affect their risk for suicide," the site says. "These financial factors can cause strong feelings such as humiliation and despair, which can precipitate suicidal thoughts or actions among those who may already be vulnerable to having these feelings because of life-experiences or underlying mental or emotional conditions (e.g., depression, bi-polar disorder) that place them at greater risk of suicide."

Other health risks the agency lists are depression, anxiety, compulsive behaviors and substance abuse.

"It is important to be aware of signs that financial problems may be adversely affecting your emotional or mental well being - or that of someone you care about," the agency notes.

The Depression's toll is spelled out in specific terms. These signs include: persistent sadness/crying, excessive anxiety, increased drinking, apathy and "not being able to function as well."