Depression and the signs of suicide are unfortunately all too often items that go hand-in-hand.
People who do not either live with someone suffering from depression or battle depression themselves absolutely have no idea how dark the hole of depression is.
A truly difficult and dark depressive episode can certainly lead the sufferer to contemplating suicide. It gives people a sense of control, particularly when the person battling depression feels as if they have no control over their life anyway. Suicide looks like an easy way out.
It can put an end to the feelings of desperation, the feelings of total worthlessness, the overwhelming sadness that invades every pore of your being and the utter hopelessness that fills each waking moment.
Depression and signs of suicide are absolutely health concerns that should be taken very seriously.
If a friend or loved one that you know is suffering from depression and if you are concerned about the symptoms of suicide there are the few things that you can watch for. Remember to be helpful and supportive by listening and reassuring them of their self worth.
But while you are being supportive it is also absolutely imperative that you get your friend or loved one to their healthcare provider immediately.
Oftentimes treatments for depression at this level can involve an increase in therapeutic counseling, an adjustment in medication or even the addition of a new medication, or if the depression and signs of suicide are severe enough, hospitalization may be necessary.
If your friend or loved one begins to talk about suicide and then starts to give away favorite possessions, this is a serious sign of suicide and it must be dealt with immediately.
It indicates that the sufferer has seriously contemplated harming themselves. If they pull away from you and others who love, if they begin to miss work or school, if they no longer care about things that they have always cared about then these are negative signs related to depression and suicide. If you notice that your friend or loved one begins to alter their normal behavior associated with a depressive episode then you should also take action.
Sufferers to are seriously considering taking their own lives tend to pull away because they are attempting to make it less difficult on those they care about.
Depression and signs of suicide may also include excessive outburst of anger, guilt, changes in eating habits, sexual promiscuity, and alterations in sleep habits.
Never ignore depression and signs of suicide. You will never forgive yourself if you ignored the signs and your friend or loved one ends up successfully committing suicide.
Do not respond to with inappropriate humor, indifference, or attempts to just cheer the person up. The only correct response is to get professional help.
The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing found that one in four women and one in six men suffered from depression. In 20 years, depression will be second only to heart disease as the nation's biggest health problem. Chances are, you may be suffering from stress and anxiety, even depression. Here are some of the warning signs.
WORK STRESS.
Fear of going to work. Conflict with co workers. Errors or loss of concentration. Absenteeism or being physically there, but doing little work. Unusual or unacceptable behaviour. Aggression or hostility. Accidents or near misses. Trouble with customers. Feeling unable to cope with constant work demands. Working more slowly or making more mistakes. Poor time management.
GENERAL STRESS.
Disturbed sleep. Lack of energy or motivation. Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness. Physical aches and pains. Poor concentration, memory or being easily distracted. Feeling that life is not worth living. Loss of interest in sex. Difficulties with home life and routine daily activities. Feeling easily tired. Withdrawal from social activities. Suicidal tendencies. Sadness, worthlessness. Frequent moaning, groaning and sighing.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?
As Richard Bach in "Illusion", so eloquently put it: "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly."
There is much you can do to reduce you stress levels {regardless of whether external stressors change}. Here are 6 of the best.
EXERCISE.
There is growing evidence that exercise, and in particular strength training, should be provided as a first line therapy for depression, according to exercise therapist Chris Tzar. "In the coming years, medical practitioners may find themselves prescribing exercise and healthy eating habits as frequently as drugs," he says.
MEDITATION.
Take time out to be quiet and attend to personal needs. Meditation is a way many people do this. It is easily learned and takes care of the need to unwind. After meditating, a few minutes rest should be taken before resuming other activities.
YOGA, PILATES OR TAI CHI.
All 3 activities include movements to reduce your stress levels. They can also benefit your fitness, balance, strength and flexibility. Why not join a class today? Don't worry, they have beginners' classes and cater for all age groups.
DIET AND NUTRITION.
Healthy eating is an important factor in beating the blues. Foods containing omega 3 fatty acids, particularly fish oils, can reduce stress. Increased intake of the minerals magnesium, zinc and selenium may help. B group vitamins are very important, particularly if you live or work in a highly stressful situation. An important benefit with these nutrients is that they can increase the level of serotonin [the feel good hormone] in the brain.
QUALITY SLEEP.
High levels of stress can make you restless and lead to disturbed sleep. You need a minimum of 6 hours sleep per night to function effectively. Lavender oil and chamomile tea can be effective sleep inducers.
PETS.
Have you noticed how you feel "at ease" when in the company of your pet? Do you have a warm feeling when you see or stroke a puppy or kitten? Pets can have an extraordinarily positive effect on our feelings and emotions and a growing body of research has indicated their benefits to our health.
Owning a pet has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer as well as a reduction in symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety.
According to cancer specialist Dr Bernie Siegel, our body chemistry changes when we are in the company of pets. "Levels of the stress hormone cortisol go down, immune function improves and perhaps more significantly, serotonin levels increase". he says.
OTHER STRATEGIES.
Some of the best ways of dealing with stress and depression are often the simplest. Spending time with nature {such as a park or beach},spending time with friends, smiling, being happy, laughing, having fun and looking for the positive aspects of life, are just a few simple examples. Being grateful for just being alive is another. Yesterday, my wife Ros attended the funeral of a close friend who died of cancer. She was 49.
Finally, learning to say no, simplifying your life and reducing your commitments, may be very helpful too. It may be time to nurture "you" rather than always trying to please others.
Hannah Arendt summarized this point of view with: "Dedicate yourself to the good you deserve and desire for yourself. Give yourself peace of mind. You deserve to be happy. You deserve delight."
Both Jeff Foster & Graeme Lanham are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jeff Foster has sinced written about articles on various topics from Constipation Causes, Acid Reflux and Employment. For more information on , be sure to visit the-health-hub.com where you'll find information on health topics such as. Jeff Foster's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.
Graeme Lanham has sinced written about articles on various topics from Arthritis Signs, Aquarium Fish and Nutrition. Graeme Lanham is the author of a popular new E book, "Your Life Fitness". It covers all aspects of health and fitness for busy and active people and includes a comprehensive coverage of depression, stress and anxiety. Please visit his web page at:. Graeme Lanham's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.