Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Suicidal Thoughts- Talking About It Can Help


A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn't mean that help isn't wanted. 

Ninety percent of individuals who have committed suicide or attempted suicide at some point in their life have had some sort of a psychiatric disorder at the time.

Depression plays a large role in suicide. The difficulty that suicidal people have imagining a solution to their suffering is because of their distorted thinking that could be caused by depression.

People who are suicidal do not want to die. They want their pain to go way.

Males are more likely to kill themselves but many more women attempt suicide.

Suicide has the highest rate in older adults. It is also the second leading cause of death among teens.

If you know of someone who may be suicidal, it will not make them suicidal if you talk to them about it.


Antidepressants and Suicide
In some people, depression medication causes an increase risk instead of a decrease—in depression and suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Because of this risk, the FDA advises that persons on antidepressants need to be watched for increases in suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Monitoring is especially important if this is the person's first time on depression medication or if the dose has recently been changed
The risk of suicide is the greatest during the first two months of antidepressant treatment. It is especially harmful for teens to take antidepressants.

Common suicide risk factors include:
  • Mental illness
  • Alcoholism or drug abuse
  • Previous suicide attempts
  • Family history of suicide
  • Terminal illness or chronic pain
  • Recent loss or stressful life event
  • Social isolation and loneliness
  • History of trauma or abuse

Suicide prevention starts with recognizing 

the warning signs and taking them 

seriously.

If you think a friend or family member is thinking about suicide, you might be afraid to bring up the subject. However, talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can actually save a life.

If you or someone you know is suicidal, Please know that there is help.

If you think someone is suicidal- be proactive and address it with them and tell someone else for support in helping you help them.

If you are suicidal------------- THERE IS HOPE! There are ways to feel better, to learn to cope, and to get through difficult times.

Talk to someone. Call a counselor, a trusted friend, or the number below:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Phone Number 1-800-273-8255

Reference
Suicide Prevention. (2015). Retrieved From:


http://www.helpguide.org/articles/suicide-prevention/suicide-prevention-helping-someone-who-is-suicidal.htm


I am leading support groups/ classes in July and August to help individuals with depression and anxiety.

Groups/ Classes are FREE, however; you need to register.   

What:
Support Groups/ Classes on Coping With Anxiety And Depression
Share in group what you are experiencing or you can just listen.

Get information on how to better understand anxiety and depression as well as learn coping skills and how to be empowered to get through difficult times.  

Where:
Michael Loftis Counseling      
       2670 Memorial Blvd
               Suite E
  Murfreesboro, TN 37129

When: Every Friday evening in July and August, 2015 (EXCEPT JULY 3rd)

Starting-  on Friday July 10th, 2015

Time: 7:00pm – 8:15pm each week

Contact Diane Gammon by calling or texting (615) 556-8406 with any questions and to register. Please leave a voicemail message when calling. (You may attend any amount of group classes that you want.)
  

You can attain hope and healing!

Diane received her Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University with a specialization in Trauma and Crisis Counseling.

Diane is under the clinical supervision of Michael Loftis L.C.S.W. as she pursues professional licensure as a LPC-MHSP. 


Diane is also currently pursuing her PhD in Psychology.  
By Diane Gammon M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counselor
                                           Blog Website LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

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