End Depression & Suicide
By Ann Robinson-Worley
If you suspect that your teen or significant other might be thinking about suicide, talk to him or her immediately. Don't be afraid to use the word "suicide." Talking about suicide won't plant ideas in your teen's head.
Ask your teen or significant other to talk about his or her feelings and listen. Don't dismiss his or her problems. Instead, reassure them of your love. Remind them that he or she can work through whatever is going on — and that you're willing to help.
Your teen or significant other might feel suicidal due to certain life circumstances such as :
Having a psychiatric disorder, such as depression, an anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder or oppositional defiant disorder
Family history of mood disorder, suicide or suicidal behavior
History of physical or sexual abuse or exposure to violence or bullying
A substance use disorder
Access to means, such as firearms or medications
Exposure to the suicide of a family member or friend
Loss of or conflict with close friends or family members
Physical or medical issues, such as changes related to puberty or a chronic illness
Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or any other sexual minority youth
Being adopted
Many teens and individuals who attempt or die by suicide have a mental health condition. As a result, they have trouble coping with the stress, such as dealing with rejection, failure, breakups, school difficulties and family turmoil. They might also be unable to see that they can turn their lives around and that suicide is a permanent response, not a solution, to a temporary problem.
Below are common signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Talking or writing about suicide — for example, making statements such as "I'm going to kill myself," or "I won't be a problem for you much longer"
Withdrawing from social contact
Having mood swings
Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
Feeling trapped, hopeless or helpless about a situation
Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
Doing risky or self-destructive things
Giving away belongings when there is no other logical explanation for why this is being done
Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above
Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
Irritability
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Decreased energy or fatigue
Moving or talking more slowly
Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight changes
It is important that we learn more about mental illnesses and how to get help when we or someone we know are experiencing symptoms. If you, a friend, or a family member is experiencing signs of depression, anxiety, or thoughts of suicide, know that there is help out there and that you are never alone!
If you suspect your teen or significant other is in immediate danger call "911". If you are in the United States, call 1-800-273- 8255 or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Services are free and confidential. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).
When you have a teen or significant other with depression and/or another mental or behavioral health issue, you might feel powerless and not sure where to turn for advice. No matter what problems you’re dealing with, whether or not you’re thinking about suicide, if you need someone to lean on for emotional support there are organizations out there to help you through this crisis you are going through. You are not alone!
One such organization is Chads Coalition.
They are providing adolescents and young adults ages 25 and under with counseling services and educational programs, serving parents, educators, and community members with resources, presentations, and more to provide a holistic and proactive approach to mental illness and bullying.
Parents and family members are given the tools they need to navigate the healthcare system, as well as individual support along the way.
To get support from one of their trained clinicians call their Family Support Warm Line at 314-952-8274 weekdays Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM CST.
A skilled, trained crisis worker who works at Chads Coalition will answer the phone.
This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful.
You can call to talk about lots of things: substance abuse, economic worries, relationships, sexual identity, getting over abuse, depression, mental and physical illness, and loneliness etc.
Check them out: www.Chadscoalition.org.
Another such organization is Lanier Law Firm.
They are actively working with families to make sure that they are aware of some of the dangerous effects of social media, especially on young audiences. They want to make sure these apps become safer places. They recently created a page that sheds interesting insight into many trends like: which app is the most dangerous, is social media addiction on the rise, are mental health issues increasing, and more.
Check them out: www.lanierlawfirm.com/social-media-addiction/
If you or your teen is feeling suicidal you may need to seek the medical help of a psychiatrist or psychologist experienced in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. The doctor will want to get an accurate picture of what's going on from a variety of sources, such as the teen, parents or guardians, other people close to the teen, school reports, and previous medical or psychiatric evaluations.
Another good organization is The Asbestos Mesothelioma Center
They are helping patients who are suffering with Mesothelioma cancer who are struggling with mental depression and anxiety. Due to their diagnosis mental health and psychological concerns can become overwhelming.
Check them out : https://www.asbestos.com/support/mental-health/
Another good organization is " The Recovery Village at Baptist Health "
They believe there can never be too much information out there to support those dealing with depression. This new page could offer some unique information to help you make informed decisions.
Check them out: https://www.floridarehab.com/co-occurring-disorders/depression/
There are many different types of mental illness. You can learn more about them by going to www.nami.org. They are the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
