Suicide Prevention - Get Help and Don't Wait

After writing my initial post about Robin Williams, a press conference was held which confirmed that the cause of his death was ruled a suicide.  Suicides affect real people and not just celebrities. And they occur at an alarming rate. According to statistics from the CDC, there were nearly 40,000 suicides in the United States in the year 2010 alone.

Clouds Over an Ohio Field by Carole Jakucs, 2014. Image subject to copyright.

If you or someone you know is depressed and/or contemplating suicide, take action now - don’t wait. Call 911 for any life threatening situations and urgent help.

There are also crisis hotlines you can call for advice, see below:

For Military Veterans there is a dedicated Veterans Crisis Line and can be reached at:(1-800-273-8255 and Press 1) or you can chat online at: http://veteranscrisisline.net/

For everyone in the U.S. (including Veterans) you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 1-800-273-8255 or you can chat online at: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Robin Williams Death Sheds Light on Suicide, Depression and Addiction

The suspected suicide of actor/comedian Robin Williams sheds light on the subject of depression.  I've enjoyed so many of his performances. And with all the laughter and joy that he brought so many people with his comedic genius, it’s sad to learn that he suffered from a depression that was so severe; he may have chosen suicide as a way out of the isolation and darkness.

Trestles - San Onofre State Beach, San Diego County by Carole Jakucs, 2014.  Image subject to copyright.

Millions of Americans are afflicted with depression each year.   There are different types of depression with varied causes. Also, for someone with addiction or medical problems, it can add to the complexities of causes and treatments. One thing for sure is that treatment by a licensed mental health professional can help alleviate symptoms and improve lives. But sometimes (just as in a physical illness) the depression wins; even when a patient and clinician are doing all the right things.

If you or someone you know, suspect you may be suffering from depression, seek help by a licensed mental health professional as soon as possible. You can also seek help from your personal physician for advice and a referral. Of course, for any psychological or medical emergencies, call 911.

Bullies as Siblings can Cause Anxiety and Depression

Bullying, or picking on someone, making them feel intimidated, unwanted and/or causing social isolation by slandering and gossiping about them, can occur in schools and work settings. It also occurs in families. A recent study published by the journal, “Pediatrics,” confirms that bullying by siblings against their siblings can cause depression and anxiety for those on the receiving end. 

Mental anguish appeared in the victims with all forms of bullying from psychological/emotional abuse to physical abuse at the hands of the sibling perpetrators.

While there appears to be an increasing awareness of bullying in the school and work environments; sibling abuse has not received much attention from parents, the perpetrators, families or researchers.

Hopefully now with the publication of this study, it will bring to light the importance of healthy family dynamics (including preventing sibling abuse) and the pain and suffering that abusive siblings cause. 

(Photo attribution: By Bpenn005 at en.wikibooks [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons)

Got Depression? Getting the Help that You Need

October 11, 2012 is National Depression Screening Day. But,  as with any medical or psychological concern, recognizing there's a problem, seeking and receiving care/treatment is timeless and of ongoing importance. If you or someone you know or love is wondering if the feelings that they’re having are those of depression (and, or, feelings of sadness, anxiety, having difficulty coping with life, using alcohol or drugs to help cope) you go to this link to take an online self-test to help give you insight regarding what you’re experiencing and help you decide if you need to see a mental health professional. The test is divided into three areas that pertain to specific populations. The first one is for college students, the second is for military members and their families, and the third is for the general public.  You can click on the test that applies to you. 

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, seek help without delay. Call 911 right away or go to an emergency room if there is an eminent threat.

Don’t suffer in silence. Ask for help. See your doctor or contact a licensed mental health professional if you think that you have depression or other mental health concern. If someone confides in you that they feel sad or depressed, encourage them to do the same.  Getting the appropriate help can improve the quality of one’s life and also may ultimately, save a life. 

8 tips to get a good night's sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis is integral to maintaining good physical and mental health.  Sleep deprivation can cause a whole myriad of problems. People who are sleep deprived for the long term have an increased risk of developing depression, hypertension (high blood pressure), type two diabetes, heart attack, stroke and obesity. Short term sleep deprivation causes decreased mental functioning and delayed physical reaction time making you more susceptible to forgetfulness and accidents. Try these eight tips to improve your sleep.

1. Don’t consume caffeine containing food or drinks after 5 pm each day. (Some people may need to stop earlier.) This includes coffee, tea, colas (sodas/soda pop) and chocolate. Caffeine can interrupt sleep, either delaying the time you fall asleep or making you wake up during the night.
2. Go to bed at the same time each night. This helps your body maintain its own natural sleep cycle and rhythm.
3. Maintain a cooler bedroom. A cooler room temperature has been proven to aid sleep.
4. Don’t use electronic devices after 8 PM this includes computers and cell phones. The blue light in the background is a known sleep disruptor interfering with the production of melatonin (a hormone produced by the brain) which helps us sleep. Some people find that e-book devices also interfere with their sleep.
5.  Have a light, healthy snack at bedtime such as an organic apple and peanut butter, or a glass of organic non-fat milk with some whole wheat crackers. Combining a lean protein with a healthy carbohydrate can help with sleep.
6. Don’t eat a heavy meal after 7 PM. Heavy food intake can keep you awake especially if you’re battling acid reflux.
7. Don’t consume alcohol. Alcohol can disrupt the sleep cycle.  If you plan on drinking, only have one, with your dinner and before 7 PM.
8. If you’re surroundings are noisy, look for ways to either eliminate the noise or offset it with “white noise”, such as pleasing soft music, a fan or the low humming sound of an air filter.

If you think you have a medical problem causing your lack of sleep such as obstructive sleep apnea, swollen tonsils or adenoids, lung or heart problems, see your doctor as soon as possible for a medical diagnosis and treatment.