going deeper
Finding hope in the middle of depression
By: Jerry
But, we want you to know –THERE IS HOPE!
And, if you are struggling RIGHT NOW, if you are having those thoughts of darkness, we want to surround you with light! Licensed mental health counselor Dwight Bain has some great resources and spreads hope. He says, “If you talk through it - you can get through it!” ~Blanca
Our friend Dwight Bain, a professional mental health counselor shared a lot of wisdom with us on this podcast and he gives us some signs to look for that someone is dealing with depression. Find those below.
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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (https://afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/) lists three areas that elevate the risk of suicide: HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT, HISTORY.
Health factors
Mental health conditions
Substance abuse disorders
Alcohol abuse disorders
Serious or chronic health conditions
Chronic pain
Limited access to healthcare
Sleeping difficulties
Environmental factors
Stressful life events including death, divorce, or separation or job loss
Prolonged stress factors including harassment, bullying, relationship problems
Financial or school difficulties
Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs
Exposure to suicide in the media or community
Historical factors
Previous suicide attempts
Family history of suicide attempts
History of self-harm
Recent hospitalization
Cultural beliefs that support suicide
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The Foundation indicates warn suicide may be imminent in these three areas: TALK, BEHAVIOR, MOOD.
Talk
Being a burden to others
Feeling trapped
Talking about feeling hopeless and helpless
Experiencing unbearable pain
Expressing there's no reason to live
Poor problem solving
Behavior
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Accessing lethal means
Acting recklessly
Withdrawing from activities
Isolating from family and friends
Sleeping too much or too little
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
Giving away prized possessions
Hopelessness about the future
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Mood
Depression
Loss of interest
Rage
Irritability
Humiliation
Anxiety
Impulsivity
Despair
Sudden sense of peacefulness
How to get help
If you or a loved one experiences any risk factors, reach out to a mental health professional for help or call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help you find support 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-5322
If warning signs are present in you or a loved one it's vital to get immediate care.
Calling 911 or going to the nearest hospital emergency room can be life-saving.
Worldwide, more people die from suicide than all the deaths caused by accidents, natural disasters, wars and homicides around the world, combined. Eight out of ten people suicide give some sign of their intentions. With knowledge and prevention, we can help those struggling with suicidal thinking find treatment, hope, and healing.
Source: https://afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/