Depression and Suicide

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Depression and Suicide

Depression, characterized by erratic mood swings, loss of interest in hobbies and activities is a very serious emotional disorder affecting about 9.5 per cent of the nation.

Needless to say, it is could be a lot more fatal if a depressed person is heading towards suicide.

Therefore, here are some signs to know if your loved one is considering suicide as a result of depression.

Depression Suicide: Warning Signs to be Aware of

� Mentions of Suicide or Death

� Wanting to tie up loose ends or give away personal belongings

� Engaging in reckless behavior such as heavy alcohol and drug use

� Withdrawing from family and friends

� Erratic mood swings

� Inappropriately saying goodbye.

� Verbal behavior that is ambiguous or indirect: (for example: �I want to go to sleep and never wake up.�, �I'm so depressed, I just can't go on.�, �Does God punish suicides?�

Though the signs and warnings may vary from person to person, it is important that you are able to recognize such warnings and take some steps to help your loved one.

Helping a loved one who is showing signs of Depression Suicide

If you believe someone is contemplating suicide do seek help immediately, however there are a several suicide prevention web sites and hotlines available to help those in need, but in case these are not within your reach, you can try the following:

� Cultivate Physical Closeness: Simple hugs, kisses on the cheeks, loving pats and compliments go a long way in healing a broken heart or depressed mind. Remember, sometimes the little things DO count.

� If the person is acutely suicidal, do not leave him or her alone.

� Remember: suicidal behavior is a cry for help. Thus if someone contemplating suicide turns to you, it is likely that they believe that you are more caring and more informed about coping with depression, and more willing to help. This in itself is a positive, thus it will be time to empower yourself to be what a suicidal person views you to be; stronger and you are.

� Other steps to take include reassuring them that help is available and that with appropriate treatment they can feel better. Try not to patronize them by simply telling them that "everything will be fine,� or that �they have everything to live for.

� Try to search the house for dangerous items such as guns and knives that could be potentially harmful.

In addition to the factors above, if you are of a spiritual inclination, this will be a good time to pray according to the framework of your faith. Indeed, prayer when used effectively can work wonders to aid in curtailing depression suicide.

Moreover, in the hopes that your loved one begins to show signs of improvement from the warnings indicating depression suicide, it will be great to start to include such drug-free approaches for depression treatment such as exercise: namely Yoga, a proper diet for physical health which in turn heals the mind and positive thinking and affirmations.

Naturally we all would get concerned or frightened if a loved one seems on the brink of suicide resulting from depression, however as with all life�s problems, if we can catch it early and nip it in the bud, depression suicide can be prevented. If things have gotten more advanced, then it may be time to seek professional help or as an alternative double up on our efforts to steer the loved one back to a positive outlook on life.

However, depression and the signs of suicide are unfortunately all too often items that go hand-in-hand.

People who do not either live with someone suffering from depression or battle depression themselves absolutely have no idea how dark the hole of depression is.

A truly difficult and dark depressive episode can certainly lead the sufferer to contemplating suicide. It gives people a sense of control, particularly when the person battling depression feels as if they have no control over their life anyway. Suicide looks like an easy way out.

It can put an end to the feelings of desperation, the feelings of total worthlessness, the overwhelming sadness that invades every pore of your being and the utter hopelessness that fills each waking moment.

Depression and signs of suicide are absolutely health concerns that should be taken very seriously.

If a friend or loved one that you know is suffering from depression and if you are concerned about the symptoms of suicide there are the few things that you can watch for. Remember to be helpful and supportive by listening and reassuring them of their self worth.

But while you are being supportive it is also absolutely imperative that you get your friend or loved one to their healthcare provider immediately.

Oftentimes treatments for depression at this level can involve an increase in therapeutic counseling, an adjustment in medication or even the addition of a new medication, or if the depression and signs of suicide are severe enough, hospitalization may be necessary.

If your friend or loved one begins to talk about suicide and then starts to give away favorite possessions, this is a serious sign of suicide and it must be dealt with immediately.

It indicates that the sufferer has seriously contemplated harming themselves. If they pull away from you and others who love, if they begin to miss work or school, if they no longer care about things that they have always cared about then these are negative signs related to depression and suicide. If you notice that your friend or loved one begins to alter their normal behavior associated with a depressive episode then you should also take action.

Sufferers that are seriously considering taking their own lives tend to pull away because they are attempting to make it less difficult on those they care about.

Depression and signs of suicide may also include excessive outburst of anger, guilt, changes in eating habits, sexual promiscuity, and alterations in sleep habits.

Never ignore depression and signs of suicide. You will never forgive yourself if you ignored the signs and your friend or loved one ends up successfully committing suicide.

Do not respond to with inappropriate humor, indifference, or attempts to just cheer the person up. The only correct response is to get professional help.