Tides Change

Tw: Hi Kids, Let's Talk:

About the warning signs of suicide, or what you should do if your feeling depressed/suicidal.
Yknow what? Let's just talk about metal health.
Let's first talk about the warning signs of suicide.
(the list below is all pulled from save.org)
Most of these are usually major signs of depression first, but given a long period of time it's a very high concern for suicide.

Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself;

Looking for a way to kill oneself;
(aka: having or forming what's called "a plan".)
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose;

Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain;

Talking about being a burden to others;

Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs;

Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless;

Sleeping too little or too much;

Withdrawing or feeling isolated;

Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; and
Displaying extreme mood swings.

[Also note: sudden calmness, recent trauma/life crisis, and especially those who have a history of harming themselves].

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One not included one that I like to include is sometimes somebody will give you a gift out of nowhere, maybe something you always loved of theirs or something they love with all their heart. It'd be a parting gift or a way to say "I'm sorry.".
Obviously, this instance is a rare case, but do look out for it.

What to do when somebody shows these symptoms but you're not really sure if they're actually going to commit suicide or not: Tell a trusted gaurdian figure.
Whether this be a parent, teacher, or a guidance councilor, somebody needs to be aware of this person's mental health.

Many times I've gone down with one of my friends to report behavior such as this to a school councilor, you can remain anonymous if you ask.
Even if you can't, a friend being mad at you is better than a friend or even a stranger being dead.
Always report behavior that is serious and becomes worrying.
It might just save a life.

"I don't have a parent/gaurdian figure to tell/ I am an adult."
If youre an adult, the best thing for you to do is to ask that person if they're alright, or make plans with them whenever they seem particularly bad.
Have a sit down talk with them, if they're not ready to talk about it with you don't take offense.
Understand that depression/suicidal thoughts are very hard to deal with and open up about.
Be there for them, ask to hang out even if they're not the most fun to hang out with, understand if they keep canceling plans, it's hard to get out of bed sometimes.
If they do keep canceling plans, and they're acting this way: keep inviting them anyways, it's better to let them know they're always welcome than to give the impression that you're tired of asking them.

Let them know that you're concerned about them and that you're there for them even if they don't want to talk about it, that you'll be there as a friend or for support anyways.

If they do want to talk about it, ask if they're seeing a therapist or if they have seen a therapist.
If yes but it hasn't worked, reccomend that they see a different one.
If they have but therapy didn't work for them, let them know that it's okay and that therapy doesn't work for anybody, but you're glad they tried.

If they haven't, advise them to.
Ask if they'd like help researching a therapist. (only if you're very close to them, this one might be pushing boundaries for some people).

Let them know you're proud of them for the little things.
Depression makes doing things like brushing your teeth or eating energy consuming monsters, doing even the basic tasks drains energy.

Imagine you're a phone and you're on 16% even when youve been charged all night.
Swiping yourself up to open drains 2% of that energy every time, and just clicking on an app wastes 1 more %.
It's tough.

So if they talk about how they showered or got out of bed and they talk about how they're trying really hard, tell them you're proud of them for trying and that it's the little steps that count.

I'm feeling this way.

If you're feeling this way, don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help.
I've recently reached out and asked for help, and went to see my doctor about my current state.
It helps me feel a lot better knowing that I'm actually diagnosed, and working to get better by talking to a professional.
It's very hard to tell parents that you feel sad all the time, but it's worth it especially if you know they're going to be supportive.
My parents aren't supportive, I don't know what to do.
If your parents aren't supportive I'm sorry. Right now you're in an extremely tough situation, just know I'm proud of you for being here right now to read this and that you will be okay.
Just one day at a time, and I know those days are all really tough but you've made it this far I promise that you'll make it even farther.
If you know your parents aren't supportive because they don't understand it, try talking to your doctor next time you go in for a checkup. Tell your doctor how you've been feeling (whether it be anxious or 'sad all the time') a doctor validating your feelings and problems may just be what your parents need.
Send them articles and scientific research on depression.

If your parents aren't supportive because they just... Aren't supportive understand that your in one of the hardest positions to be in, and that it's okay to feel depressed, sad, or anxious.   you can't help how you feel. Try talking to a close friend, but stay away from self diagnosing.

SELF DIAGNOSING: why it can be harmful.

Self diagnosing can often be harmful because you can misinterpret how you feel/ how your brain is working and it can often lead to more trouble than good.
Self diagnosing your problems can misdiagnose your actual problems, and can make you misunderstand the difference between angst, sadness, and depression.
You may accidentally think you're worse off in your head space than you actually are, and it can cause a lot more worry. Always speak to a professional if available to get a diagnosis.

EX: "People with mood swings often think they have manic depressive illness or bipolar disorder." (pshycologytoday.com)

However mood swings, the article states, can be a sign of many different things, and a professional will help determine which one it is.

Misdiagnostics of yourself can make you skip over physical illnesses.
I.e. Misdiagnosing yourself with anxiety can overlook hypothyroidism.

SO always be careful, and talk to a medical professional, and even if it makes you feel better please don't self diagnose.
Recognizing your feelings and behavior is very healthy, and you should do that. Always talk to a doctor for diagnosis, however.

Good way to do so: Doc, I feel as though I may have depression. I've been feeling sad lately, and I have no energy. My motivation to do anything has plummeted.

The doctor will ask you some questions (always answer truthfully) and you'll be all set.

Bad way to do so: I've been feeling awfully sad all the time, and my heart flutters a lot. I must have anxiety and depression, it's the only two possibilities for how I'm feeling.

As always, be careful, and stay safe, recognize your own behaviors, and if possible definitely talk to a medical professional. Look out for one another, but always worry about yourself first.
Love you all,
Jaelynn.