World Suicide Prevention Day September 10, 2020

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As we learn to drop the stigma associated with mental health, it also goes hand in hand with suicide prevention as we learn more about how to identify and intervene when people are in trouble.  Problem is that we don't always see clear signs that people are depressed - sometimes brave faces mask it all.  Good examples are comedians who've left us...people who we remember as always smiling and joking who, on the inside, were struggling.

 

Personally, I have known a few people who've died before they could find their way out.  Let's all take a moment to learn more about how we can help.  This year, in particular, has been really tough on everyone...those in deep, dark holes may need extra attention.  I'll update with more info...this was the first article that had some good points.

 

Take care of one another out there.....

 

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(CNN)Every 40 seconds, someone in the world takes their own life.

That's at least 800,000 people a year, according to the World Health Organization, and the numbers are rising in some parts of the world. In the United States alone, suicide rates have increased by 35% between 1999 and 2018.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls suicide a "growing public health problem."

And that's only part of the grim picture to ponder today, on World Suicide Prevention Day. For each person who has died by suicide, many more people think about or attempt suicide, according to the CDC. In 2018, over 10 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, more than 3 million made a plan, and 1.4 million attempted suicide.

 

 

 

1 in 4 young people are reporting suicidal thoughts. Here's how to help

All ages, races and income levels are at risk, with 79% of all suicides occurring lower to middle income countries, according to WHO. And youth can be hardest hit: Suicide is third leading cause of death in 15- to 19-year-olds globally, the agency says.

In addition, experts fear suicidal thoughts may escalate due to economic hardship and stress caused by another lethal crisis facing the world -- Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

In May, a national public health group in the US projected some 75,000 Americans might die from drug, alcohol misuse and suicide as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Unless we get comprehensive federal, state, and local resources behind improving access to high quality mental health treatments and community supports, I worry we're likely to see things get far worse when it comes to substance misuse and suicide," Well Being Trust's chief strategy officer Dr. Benjamin Miller told CNN at the time.

Data collected by the CDC in June found 11% of Americans surveyed had considered suicide in the previous 30 days. Self-reported unpaid caregivers for adults were more likely to have seriously considered suicide (30.7%), followed by young adults between 18 and 24 years old (25.5%), essential workers (21.7%), Hispanics (18.6%) and Blacks (15.1%).

But there are ways each of us can help prevent suicide. Here's how to do your part.

Recognize the risks

There are many risk factors that can lead to an increase in thoughts about taking one's life. It's important to recognize these in yourself or a loved one, experts say, because many people do not talk about their thoughts of suicide in advance.

 

Depression in British adults may have doubled during coronavirus pandemic

Does the person have a mood, anxiety, alcohol or other substance use disorder, a major physical illness or a history of trauma, abuse or suicide in the family?

The loss of a relationship may also trigger suicidal behavior, especially for anyone with a sense of isolation or lack of social support.

A person who holds a religious or cultural belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma is at higher risk, according to Suicide Prevention Lifeline, as can feeling that asking for help carries a stigma.

Any previous suicide attempt is the single most important risk factor, according to the WHO, but people can also react to local clusters of suicide or deaths of famous celebrities reported in the media -- deaths by suicide rose by 10% after comedian Robin Williams ended his life in 2014.

Has there been a recent economic blow? That is another risk factor, and a reality facing millions who are out of work right now due to Covid-19-related job loss, social isolation or quarantine.

And research shows that easy access to firearms is also a key risk factor.

Warning signs

Again, not everyone will give their friends and loved ones verbal hints about their suicidal thoughts. That's why it's important to recognize warning signs in actions as well as words.

 

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Be wary if your loved one:

• Begins to search online for ways to kill themselves, such as buying a gun or obtaining medical prescriptions
• Increases their use of alcohol or drugs
• Sleeps too much or too little
• Starts to behave recklessly, such as driving while intoxicated or without a seat belt
• Appears agitated, expresses rage or talks about seeking revenge
• Has extreme mood swings, from euphoria to the depths of depression
• Appears to feel hopeless or talks about feeling trapped or having no reason to live
• Appears to be in unbearable psychological pain or talks about being a burden to friends or family
• Withdraws or isolates from others

Many of these signs may be tough to recognize during the pandemic as families and friends are more isolated and alone. Be sure to call and check on loved ones and listen carefully to their concerns and how they are expressing themselves.

 

Here in Richmond:

   

[FaninMex]

No doubt this is of key interest to all of you. 

So, my strongest recommendation is to get them off Social Media of every form. Ban it from your household.

 

There is an excellent documentary about the Terror Social Media and its direct link to many problems including child suicide title The Social Dilemma. A must watch.

 

 

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39 minutes ago, FaninMex said:

No doubt this is of key interest to all of you. 

So, my strongest recommendation is to get them off Social Media of every form. Ban it from your household.

 

There is an excellent documentary about the Terror Social Media and its direct link to many problems including child suicide title The Social Dilemma. A must watch.

 

 

I don't think we can realistically "ban" our children from things that are out there...if they don't see/get it at home, they will elsewhere.  So I suggest monitoring and restricting things more so than not allowing them.  Because the more you make something off limits, the more it drives the curiosity and probability of "sneaking".  I always felt it was better to have open lines of communication where my kids could "share" what they're seeing.  Went through this with my son when he was younger with wrestling...allowed it, but used it as a discussion point and watched it with him. 

 

Also, a lot of kids feel isolated and social media can allow them to connect with others.  Again...it has to be supervised and age appropriate though.

 

Just did a post elsewhere about my 9 year old neighbour.  Have watched her go from a sweet child to a rude little diva.  Mom told me she has her own phone but is "pissed" because it's not the "latest" iPhone...that she can't afford.  Is on TikTok all day long.  Grandma and Grandpa (who don't speak English) care for her during the day.

 

Not long ago she was a shy child out riding her bike....I heard her yell at Grandma "shut up b*#@%" the other day.  Also heard her engaged in a dispute with her brother, at which point she said "get over it, Karen".   She's SO rude and offensive now.  It's truly sad.

 

But, the point is, there is NO supervision of it...she's allowed access all day long.

 

Just as kids can become suicidal when locked away on social media (where a lot of online bullying takes place), it's equally isolating to be the one person who isn't.

 

All about balance and supervision.

 

For me, I went through my darkest days...both parents dying of cancer, marriage breakdown and my ex being a drunk ass and harrassing me, flood in my home, etc. - all when I first got on to the internet.  Was life SAVING for me.  In the wee hours when I felt I could no longer cope there was always someone there...friends, even if in Detroit, England, Chicago....wherever.  Some have remained friends to this day.  Some who shared similar situations that meant I could really relate to them.  A support system I wouldn't have normally had.

 

There's good and bad in most things....it's all about what you use them for.

[LionofJudah]

This is the thread I came on this site for (well tonight anyways. Not normally). I need help and there never seem to be any resources for me. Its a broken system thats extremely overwhelming. When you're already feeling overwhelmed by your own mind the thought of trying to find where to get help is exhausting. 

 

Ive been trying to find help for years. At this point I feel more lost than before I actively started asking for help. 

[skategal]

5 hours ago, LionofJudah said:

This is the thread I came on this site for (well tonight anyways. Not normally). I need help and there never seem to be any resources for me. Its a broken system thats extremely overwhelming. When you're already feeling overwhelmed by your own mind the thought of trying to find where to get help is exhausting. 

 

Ive been trying to find help for years. At this point I feel more lost than before I actively started asking for help. 

I'm not a professional trained in anything that is useful to you right now, but I can provide an ear and a shoulder if you need to talk.  I think trying to self advocate is extremely difficult at the best of times and moreso when you aren't well.  

 

Know that you are valued, loved and people care about you.  Sometimes it's hard to see that.  DM me if you want to chat, I can offer virtual hugs and am always happy to listen.  I've been blessed with friends that have done that for me.  

[surtur]

Hopefully Nike is not a sponsor. Bad humor.

 

As a person who has lost a friend to suicide at a young age this is a very serious problem. In my friends instance it was a small argument with his dad that pushed him over the edge and as with most suicides if someone was there for him or if he would have just slept on it the outcome would have been different.

I have personally battled depression for nearly 30 years so I know how it can mess with ones mind. I will say though that I am a much stronger person having lived with this mental illness but I don't wish it on anyone.

 

 

[Tortorella's Rant]

On 9/10/2020 at 11:23 AM, FaninMex said:

No doubt this is of key interest to all of you. 

So, my strongest recommendation is to get them off Social Media of every form. Ban it from your household.

 

There is an excellent documentary about the Terror Social Media and its direct link to many problems including child suicide title The Social Dilemma. A must watch.

 

 

A lot of it nowadays has to do with this. 

 

Get off the damn social media and turn off the news while you're at it. 

 

 

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6 hours ago, LionofJudah said:

This is the thread I came on this site for (well tonight anyways. Not normally). I need help and there never seem to be any resources for me. Its a broken system thats extremely overwhelming. When you're already feeling overwhelmed by your own mind the thought of trying to find where to get help is exhausting. 

 

Ive been trying to find help for years. At this point I feel more lost than before I actively started asking for help. 

The system really is broken....I waited 10 months to get into a GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) group.  That was me..."overwhelmed by my own mind"...no sleep as I was flooded with worry, regret, planning, etc.  It's been helpful so far...I'm learning that I've got scripts of worry in my mind that my brain has been programmed to run as I start to think.  It's going to take time to rewrite things and the first part, for me, is recognizing when I'm "going there" and putting some new thoughts in place of the old ones.  Also using meditation that I used to scoff at but now really do utilize.  Breathing techniques as well.  Mindfulness.  To allow things to enter my mind but to have a curiosity rather than a script for them.  

 

Sometimes these things require medical intervention though as chemical imbalances and environmental forces could be disrupting things.

 

Hang in there and don't give up.  I, too, have zero training or qualification in leading someone through this dark tunnel, however, I can share information that I've been given.  Send me a private message at any time if you need an ear.

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7 minutes ago, Tortorella's Rant said:

A lot of it nowadays has to do with this. 

 

Get off the damn social media and turn off the news while you're at it. 

 

 

So true.  You can bombard yourself with "stuff" and it's a lot of unnecessary "noise" to process.

 

I'm hearing a lot about this documentary...people I know who are watching it are slightly freaked out over it all.  I won't watch it because that fuels the fires of anxiety for me.  Is anyone really giving up social media?  I don't know that anyone will at this point....too far gone.  "Moderation in all things" though.

[Tortorella's Rant]

6 hours ago, LionofJudah said:

This is the thread I came on this site for (well tonight anyways. Not normally). I need help and there never seem to be any resources for me. Its a broken system thats extremely overwhelming. When you're already feeling overwhelmed by your own mind the thought of trying to find where to get help is exhausting. 

 

Ive been trying to find help for years. At this point I feel more lost than before I actively started asking for help. 

Try doing controlled deep breathing exercises focusing on your stomach area inhaling and exhaling. Then do a breath hold, retention for as long as you can comfortably, then start over again. Do this in the dark, secluded, quiet, like a meditation environment. Once a day is sufficient for as little as five minutes. Any time or setting works but this type of setting is best. It has a euphoric feeling if you are new to it and the benefits are demonstrable and verifiable. I do it all the time. It keeps that wave of anxiety washing over you.

Maybe this sounds phony and unhelpful but it is in fact a miracle product and it is free. Simply controlling your breathing is one of the best forms of medicine we have for this.

[LionofJudah]

@skategal @debluvscanucks @Tortorella's Rant

 

Thanks for all the kind words and advice. 

 

I waited a year to get into counseling (thats how long the wait list was to see a therapist). But then covid hit and I only got 2 sessions. Thanks 2020. The only support that I can find and have only ever been able to find. Are hotlines. Seems easy enough. Pick up the phone and talk it out. Easy it is not. For me there is a strong fear of talking on the phone. Atlas with no other options available I seem unhelpable. Struggle alone. Struggle hard. But keep on going cause there is no other option. 

 

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11 hours ago, LionofJudah said:

@skategal @debluvscanucks @Tortorella's Rant

 

Thanks for all the kind words and advice. 

 

I waited a year to get into counseling (thats how long the wait list was to see a therapist). But then covid hit and I only got 2 sessions. Thanks 2020. The only support that I can find and have only ever been able to find. Are hotlines. Seems easy enough. Pick up the phone and talk it out. Easy it is not. For me there is a strong fear of talking on the phone. Atlas with no other options available I seem unhelpable. Struggle alone. Struggle hard. But keep on going cause there is no other option. 

 

Yeah COVID has really thrown everything out of whack.  The phone is tough but the people on the other end are usually well aware of that struggle and are patient and understanding.  Sorry to hear you struggle alone...that's a rough deal.  But you have friends here to reach out to ... beauty of this site is that people are here from all over so at all hours of the day/night.

[Master Mind]

On 9/17/2020 at 3:03 PM, LionofJudah said:

@skategal @debluvscanucks @Tortorella's Rant

 

Thanks for all the kind words and advice. 

 

I waited a year to get into counseling (thats how long the wait list was to see a therapist). But then covid hit and I only got 2 sessions. Thanks 2020. The only support that I can find and have only ever been able to find. Are hotlines. Seems easy enough. Pick up the phone and talk it out. Easy it is not. For me there is a strong fear of talking on the phone. Atlas with no other options available I seem unhelpable. Struggle alone. Struggle hard. But keep on going cause there is no other option. 

 

I'm sorry to hear of your struggle. Definitely unfortunate to wait for the counseling, only to be shut down so soon after.

 

I believe there are texting apps that connect people to therapists, or at the very least a text version of a hotline. You may be able to find one in your area (not sure if there are costs or not).

 

Might be an option to consider if you're not feeling comfortable talking on the phone.

[LionofJudah]

5 minutes ago, Master Mind said:

I'm sorry to hear of your struggle. Definitely unfortunate to wait for the counseling, only to be shut down so soon after.

 

I believe there are texting apps that connect people to therapists, or at the very least a text version of a hotline. You may be able to find one in your area (not sure if there are costs or not).

 

Might be an option to consider if you're not feeling comfortable talking on the phone.

The only things I've found in my online searches are unproven sites that cost more than my wallet can afford. And tbh I'm not forking money out to a service that can't guarantee that the person in the other end is an actual trained professional. 

 

I do thank you for pointing them out however, and if you know of any that are legit I would be grateful to know about them. 

[SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME]

5 hours ago, LionofJudah said:

The only things I've found in my online searches are unproven sites that cost more than my wallet can afford. And tbh I'm not forking money out to a service that can't guarantee that the person in the other end is an actual trained professional. 

 

I do thank you for pointing them out however, and if you know of any that are legit I would be grateful to know about them. 

It’s hard to suggest resources without knowing what city you’re in, but searching “community services” or “community health” for your location (assuming you’re in BC) should point you toward some options for free or low cost counselling services.

 

For example, in Vancouver, the ten community health centres (Downtown, Evergreen, Heatley, Pacific Spirit, Pender, Ravensong, Robert and Lily Lee, South Vancouver, Three Bridges) should all have mental health services (including counselling) that are free.

 

Here’s a PDF for Vancouver that offers a good starting point for accessing free, low cost, and sliding scale services:

https://willowtreecounselling.ca/wp-content/themes/willowtree/reduced-cost-counselling.pdf
 

Most cities in BC have some option for free counselling either through their community health locations or through private non-profits.

 

The non-profits are not always easy to find, unfortunately, but they are out there. 
 

For example, in Richmond, I know there’s Chimo:

http://www.chimoservices.com
 

And Touchstone: https://www.touchstonefamily.ca

Both of these offer free counselling with qualified licensed therapists.

 

(Most other cities should have similar organizations.)