Hello Fall,

September is the official suicide awareness month, but I got an article written by a colleague that I felt compelled to share with you. 

Suicidal Thoughts And Prevention: A Guide For Your Loved One -- Jennifer Scott
 
Need help now? You are not alone--reach out:

SAMHSA (for substance abuse): 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis text line: Text “start” to 741-741

Veterans crisis line: Text to 828255

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
 
 
Suicide affects thousands of families every year, across many age groups and seemingly without discrimination when it comes to race, sex, or social standing. For many who suffer from depression and anxiety, suicide can seem like the only way out. It’s not necessarily that they want to die; it’s that they want the pain to end.
 
It’s important for us to understand that the reasons behind suicide are varied and very complicated and that when suicidal thoughts occur, it’s almost always very difficult to stop them or find a way around them. For those who have a strong support system of family and friends, it’s a little easier, but it can sometimes still be very difficult for a person who is having suicidal thoughts to reach out, especially if there are issues like substance abuse--which can lead to feelings of shame--involved.
 
For these individuals, having a guide that friends and family can refer to in emergencies or when they need some help in learning prevention practices can be extremely helpful. Read on to find out how you can help your loved one when they need it the most.
 
Know what to do in an emergency
 
If your loved one is displaying suicidal tendencies and you feel they need help right away, there are many resources you can refer to. Depending on their specific situation, you may need to look for other hotlines or websites that pertain to their needs.
 
SAMHSA (for substance abuse): 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis text line: Text “start” to 741-741

Veterans crisis line: Text to 828255

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
 
If your loved one is violent, threatening self-harm, threatening to hurt someone else or has to access to a gun or other weapons, call 911 immediately and stay near (in a safe place) until help comes.
 
Understand the facts
 
If your loved one is showing symptoms of depression or other mood disorders, urge them to
 
Suicide is often associated with winter months, but spring is the most common time of year for death by suicide to occur. Some people are able to talk about their feelings well before they ever begin to consider suicide, but with others, there is no notice at all. It can be difficult to talk about something that you can’t put into words, and many individuals who battle depression don’t understand why they feel the way they do.
 
There is a stigma surrounding suicide that leads some people to believe that those who take their own lives are selfish or are thinking only of themselves. In reality, many people who die by suicide were grappling with the idea that their friends and family would be better off if they were not around. It’s hard to see the truth when you are inside that dark cloud of thoughts, and the depression can make it seem like death is the only thing that will make the pain go away.seek counseling right away.  

Prevention strategies
 
Knowing how to cope with suicidal thoughts when they occur and having a prevention plan in mind can help greatly, so sit down with your loved one and talk about the best ways for them to stay healthy. This can include daily exercise, eating right, and practicing self-care. Therapy and counseling--including group sessions--can also be extremely helpful.
 
Talk about how to recognize those dark thoughts as soon as they occur and the best way to separate them from other thoughts. This can be achieved through mindfulness, or meditation and yoga, and can help an individual take control of their thoughts.
 
Remember that suicide is a difficult thing even for experts to understand, and it will take some patience on your part to try and help a loved one who is battling those thoughts. Take one day at a time and offer your support no matter what.

Has it a long time since we spoke? Tell me what is going on!
Make an appointment to see or talk to mehttps://calendly.com/mentalmediator/online-phone
 
How did the last habit go?

For this month, find a way to be more mindful. Take 5 minutes a day to relax, don't engage in social media, television, radio, etc.. Once five minutes is easy, add five more minutes, and keep going.

Good Luck and stay tuned for the next new habit!