We all have mental health issues. Sadly, many of us hide it or tuck it deep inside of us, which leads to damaging our mental health. Depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses develop the more we push it away.
Back in 2016, I tried to take my own life and was hospitalized for a week in a psychiatric unit. I have been struggling with depression for the majority of my life. I would hide my demons from others and try to ignore those negative feelings. Eventually, my depression got severe and pushed me to a boiling point. After my hospitalization, I began my therapeutic journey which lead me to eventually overcoming my depression.
Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide.
Depression and depressive episodes are classified as mood disorders in DSM-5, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Depression is common risk for suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States for all ages. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in the world. There also are many other risk factors for suicide such as anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress disorder, Substance Use disorders, Schizophrenia, Eating disorders, bullying, social isolation, the struggle with sexual identity, and family history of depression.
We may know someone who is struggling or we may be struggling ourselves. In honor of World Suicide Prevention day, here are some important information about Suicide.
Suicide Warning Signs:
There are different warning signs of suicide that include behavior, mood, expression and feelings.
If a person talks about:
-Being a burden to others
-Feeling trapped
-Experiencing unbearable pain
-Having no reason to live
-Killing themselves
Look out for:
-Increase use of alcohol or drugs
-Looking for materials or means to kill themselves
-Acting recklessly
-Withdrawal from usual activities
-Sleeping too little or too much
-Calling people to say goodbye
-Aggression
-Lack of appetite or increase appetite
-Giving hints or suggestions about not being around
Look out for particular moods/feelings such as:
-Depression
-Loss of interest
-Rage
-Sadness
-Hopelessness
-Anxiety
-Loneliness
-Emptiness
-Feelings of guilt
How to Help:
If someone you know could possibly be struggling, there are many different ways to help.
1. Let the person talk and listen to them without judgement.
2. Approach them with empathy.
3. Don’t minimize or invalidate their feelings.
4. Ask them what they need from you.
5. Encourage self-care and taking care of basic needs.
6. Point them in the direction of helpful resources.
7. Spend time with them and be present.
8. Be their advocate and encourage them get help.
9. Help create a crisis plan and contact list for resources to support them.
10. Let them know they are not a burden and not alone.
*In a crisis situation call 911… Your friend or love one could be upset with you but having them upset with you can be repaired*
How to help yourself
If you are struggling, here are SOME ways you can help yourself.
1. Reach out for support, someone needs you here.
2. Write a list of the things you love.
3. Take a walk outside and describe the colors you see in your head.
4. Punch a pillow.
5. Visit a puppy store
6. Exercise.
7. Hold an ice cube in your hand.
8. Throw ice at the wall.
9. Take an ice cold shower.
10. Scream out loud.
*Reach out to a hotline or if it is an emergency call 911*
Resources
If you or a love is struggling with suicide or a mental illness and are in need of help… please reach out.
Below is a list of some resources:
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: 1-800-273-8255
SUBSTANCE ABUSE/MENTAL HEALTH HELPLINE: 1-800-622-HELP
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 1-800-799-7233
TREVOR PROJECT HOTLINE FOR LGBTQ YOUTH: 1-866-488-7386
LONG ISLAND CRISIS CENTER: 1-516-679-1111
EMERGERNCY- 911
You are here for reason and your life as value.
After my hospitalization, I continued to struggle. It was a long battle and the darkness was hard to fight. Without my family, I would of lacked the motivation to become stronger. Without my resources, I would not have developed the skills to fight my mental illness. Without my struggle, I would have never realized how beautiful life truly is.
It is okay to not be okay. It is okay to stumble. Be brave and reach out for support because there are many people who need you in this world. Help out a friend or a love one because you can give them some hope to continue to live.
September 10th, WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY.
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