Mental Health Problems
and Mind-Body Wellness
Suicide
If you are very depressed or feel
overwhelmed, you may sometimes think of taking your own life. Occasional thoughts
of suicide are not a problem. However, if thoughts of suicide continue, or if
you have made suicide plans, it becomes a very serious matter.
People who are considering suicide
are often undecided about choosing life or death. With compassionate help, they
may choose to live.
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Grief
Grief is a natural healing
process that allows you to adjust to a significant change or loss. Grief
may be expressed physically or emotionally and may have some of the same
symptoms as depression (See Depression).
The following tips may help you move through the grieving process.
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Take as much time as you need to grieve. Don't fight
the emotions you feel.
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Discuss your feelings with friends who will listen
to and support you while encouraging you to reconnect with the world.
Joining a support group or talking to a clergyperson or a counsellor
also may help.
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Write your thoughts down in a journal or paint or
draw your grief. Or write letters to the person you lost.
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Try to cut back on some of your usual responsibilities
and activities until your grieving period is past. Postpone any
major decisions.
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As you begin to move beyond your grief, renew old
interests and pursue new ones. Do things that give you a sense of
control and hope.
Call your doctor if grieving
continues without improvement for more than 4 weeks
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When there are significant life crises,
when you are depressed, or when someone you know is depressed, be alert to the
warning signs for suicide:
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Verbal warning. Most people who commit suicide mention
their intentions to someone.
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Preoccupation with death. A suicidal person may talk, read,
draw, or write about death.
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Previous suicide attempt. Failed attempts are often followed
by a completed attempt.
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Giving away prized possessions.
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Depression and social isolation.
If you are troubled by suicidal
thoughts, you should avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. Alcohol and drugs can
impair your judgment, which may make you more likely to do things you would
not do when sober.
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Use your common sense and a direct approach to determine
if the suicide risk is high. Ask yourself or the person who you feel
is at risk:
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Do you feel there is no other way?
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Do you have a suicide plan?
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How and when do you plan to do it?
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Ask someone you trust to stay with you or the suicidal
person until the crisis has passed.
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Encourage the person to seek professional help.
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Don't argue with or challenge the person who is thinking
of suicide.
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Don't ignore warning signs, thinking that you or another
person will "snap out of it."
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Talk about the situation as openly as possible. Show
understanding and compassion.
Call
911 or other emergency services for urgent, life-threatening situations.
Call your doctor or your local
Suicide Prevention hotline (look in the Yellow Pages):
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If you are considering suicide.
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If you suspect that someone has made suicide plans.
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