September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
It’s a month dedicated to helping raise awareness of suicide prevention across the world. It’s important to remember that we can all help prevent suicide by understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health. Here are a few ways you can help prevent suicide and end the stigma surrounding mental health.
Depression is more than just feeling sad
Major depression is more than just feeling sad or simply having a bad day. It’s a debilitating condition that makes it hard to eat…to sleep….to function daily. Depression can be a lonely disorder especially for those with treatment-resistant depression. The sadness and despair can consume a person and wear them down to their most vulnerable state.
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the US. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. It can happen at any age but often begins in adulthood. An estimated 16.2 million adults in the United States suffer from at least one major depressive episode. Out of these, 4.5 million people in the United States do not respond fully to prescription antidepressants.
Suicide is not inevitable for anyone
By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives. Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.
Suicidal Behavior has warning signs
Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings
It’s OK to ask
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s campaign #BeThe1To focuses on the importance of asking a friend about their suicidal thoughts. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough question! When someone you know is in emotional pain, ask them directly: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.
Depression is Treatable
Many people suffer in silence or wear a “mask” in public to pretend that everything is OK. The good news is that hope, healing and renewed wellness are possible even for those who have tried medication for depression without relief. In these cases, we turn to TMS therapy.
TMS Therapy is a non-invasive therapy that delivers short, repetitive magnetic pulses to stimulate and “reset” specific areas of the brain that help control your mood. This cutting-edge therapy uses magnetic stimulation to reinvigorate areas of the brain that have been affected by depression essentially turning those areas ‘on’ again.
It’s a reawakening that helps patients feel better again.
Supportive Resources For Suicide Prevention
Helping people stay connected can create a support system so they have others to reach out to for support. Whether its friends, family, clergy, coaches, co-workers or mental health professionals, help your loved ones create a network of support for hope and healing.
We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
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