How to Prevent Suicide
A British weapon's inspector was found dead in the woods after he slashed his wrist. For the past few weeks, he was entangled with a controversy about the war in Iraq. On Monday, a Hyundai executive leaped to his death from the 12th floor. He was on trial for allegedly paying off North Korea $100 million to agree to a 2000 summit between North and South Korea.In both urban and rural areas, many more suicide cases do not go unnoticed. Through local papers and the town's rumor mills, suicide becomes a sad tale and a mystery.
Why would people kill themselves? Recent studies have shown the correlation between suicide and serotonin deficiency in the brain. Moreover, the presence of significant stress has far-reaching consequences especially if such stressor, such as legal entanglements, results in profound hopelessness and depression. Frequently, when there is no immediate resolution to the problem, suicide becomes an attractive escape.It then becomes obvious that suicide is not only a medical disorder but a psychosocial issue. It is more than just a manifestation of emotional distress. It is a complication of an unresolved state of affairs.
There is no question that suicide is devastating to everyone. I have seen loved ones grapple with the pain of the loss and shame associated with the manner of death. Pain and grief among relatives persist for months despite efforts to feel better though counseling and medication. Can suicide then be prevented? Suicide prevention is as much a science as it is an art. Although applying scientific psychotherapeutic techniques can be effective, the gentle art of dealing with the suicidal person makes all the difference.
Having stated these, if clues of suicidal behavior can be recognized early and sources of stress addressed immediately, then the risk of suicide can be reduced. The issue of early recognition and remedy therefore becomes crucial. The CARE approach can help loved ones cope.What is the CARE Approach?The CARE Approach is a practical four-step process that a person can use in dealing with a disorder such as suicidal behavior and depression. This approach emphasizes early recognition and intervention. The early process includes the following: 1) Check for signs of emotional illness 2) Anticipate complications 3) Remedy with early intervention and 4) Educate yourself about the illness.
Check for signs of emotional illness or distressSuicide, like any medical disorder, does not happen instantly or "out of the blue." Usually, it is preceded by emotional turmoil such as depression, agitation, significant anxiety, impulsivity, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Look for outward sign that shows deviation from the person's usual self. Observe any changes in functioning. Is the person less motivated to work? Does the person prefer to stay in bed and withdraw from friends and family members? Check also for any physiologic changes such as inability to sleep, eat, and concentrate. Anticipate complicationsWatch out for complications once you know that your loved one is in distress.
Be aware of any changes such as suicidal and homicidal behavior and aggression. If not showing actual destructive behavior, ask for any thoughts of death or wanting to die or to kill. Inquiring about the presence of suicidal or homicidal thought will not push your loved one to act destructively. In fact, your loved one might be encouraged to disclose more information and to express well-kept emotions.Remedy with Early InterventionEarly intervention requires you to first accept or acknowledge that a problem exists and the urgent need to address it. Being in denial can only make matters worse.
Denial interferes in recognizing on-going problem.Assist in addressing your loved ones pressing issues. Offer to provide some financial support or to contact appropriate government agencies. For someone in legal trouble, suggest obtaining the advice of a good lawyer.Be available and supportive. Reassure your loved ones that you will be in their side no matter what. Let them talk about their worries and travails.
Provide a listening ear. Avoid arguments and criticisms. Show empathy.Be alert for signs of destructive behavior such as wrist slashing, overdosing, verbalizing death, agitated behavior, writing or changing a will, and giving away properties.
If your loved one is in distress, clarify if one has entertained destructive thoughts.Call for help. Because suicidal and homicidal behavior requires immediate help, further delay is a not an option.
Call mental health hotline, mental health services, or emergency rooms to seek guidance and to ask for the next step. Do not hesitate to call law enforcement agencies or mental health crisis team if your loved one refuses to get help.Educate YourselfKnowing about the illness, the dos and don'ts, and how to best cope is a powerful way of dealing with suicide or other destructive behavior. Furthermore, education helps you get rid of misconception, self-blame, guilt, and shame. In summary, suicide, like cancer, has only one goal ? death. It has caused agony, sleepless nights, and oceans of tears for those who are left behind.
However, despite its deadly intentions, suicide is also a cry for help. Fortunately, simple steps such as the CARE approach make suicide surmountable..
Copyright 2003 Michael G. Rayel, MD. Dr. Rayel, author of First Aid to Mental Illness (Finalist, Reader?s Preference Choice Award 2002), has pioneered the CARE approach as a first aid for mental health. As an expert and an award-winning author, Dr. Rayel has appeared on radio and prominent newspapers. As a first aid advocate, he has conducted Mental Health First Aid workshops. To learn more about his work and books, visit www.drrayel.com.mike@drrayel.comWhen The Blues Won't Go Away: National Depression Screening Day, 10/07/2004
"When the ?Blues' Won't Go Away" National Depression Screening Day Presentation to be Held at Lafayette Public LibraryDepression among children, teens and adults has now reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Is someone you love at risk?In recognition of National Depression Screening Day, the Lafayette Public Library will host a presentation by local Psychotherapists, Allan N. Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D. and Kim McMillin, RN, MT-BC, LMFT, on Thursday, October 7, 2004 at seven o'clock in the evening.Their presentation, "When the ?Blues' Won't go Away," will focus on identifying and learning to cope with depression. This timely and informative presentation will spotlight ways to recognize the signs of depression, depression in teens and adults, depression and suicide, ways of handling a crisis, and where to turn for help.A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than thirty years experience, Allan Schwartz recently relocated his psychotherapy practice from New York City to Lafayette,...
When The Blues Won't Go Away: National Depression Screening Day, 10/07/2004
Depression > When The Blues Won't Go Away: National Depression Screening Day, 10/07/2004
When The Blues Won't Go Away: National Depression Screening Day, 10/07/2004
"When the ?Blues' Won't Go Away" National Depression Screening Day Presentation to be Held at Lafayette Public LibraryDepression among children, teens and adults has now reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Is someone you love at risk?In recognition of National Depression Screening Day, the Lafayette Public Library will host a presentation by local Psychotherapists, Allan N. Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D. and Kim McMillin, RN, MT-BC, LMFT, on Thursday, October 7, 2004 at seven o'clock in the evening.Their presentation, "When the ?Blues' Won't go Away," will focus on identifying and learning to cope with depression. This timely and informative presentation will spotlight ways to recognize the signs of depression, depression in teens and adults, depression and suicide, ways of handling a crisis, and where to turn for help.A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than thirty years experience, Allan Schwartz recently relocated his psychotherapy practice from New York City to Lafayette,...
When The Blues Won't Go Away: National Depression Screening Day, 10/07/2004
Depression > When The Blues Won't Go Away: National Depression Screening Day, 10/07/2004
The Mysterious Problem of Phantom Pain
When a person loses an arm or a leg, it involves, not only a shock to the physical body, but a tremendous amount of stress on an emotional and psychological basis. Depression, anger, and fear can set in as the injured person begins to cope with the loss of a limb and the resulting change in body image, as well as uncertainties of the future. Physical therapy needs to be accompanied by emotional support as the patient recovers.
One mysterious but very common consequence of limb loss is the occurrence of "phantom pain," ranging from an odd sensation to sometimes severe pain seemingly coming from an arm or leg which is no longer there. The phenomenon has existed for as long as human beings have been surviving wounds involving amputation. Only recently has the medical community begun to understand the reasons behind this event.
Once thought to be strictly a psychological problem, most doctors and researchers now believe that the pain is neurological in origin....
Depression > The Mysterious Problem of Phantom Pain
Oppositional Defiant Disorder ? ODD
It is said that all children are oppositional from time to time, but Oppositional Defiant Disorder- ODD is a psychiatric disorder that is characterized by two different sets of problems. These are ferociousness and purposefully disturbing and annoying others.
This is the most common psychiatric problem in children. Over 5% of children have this. In younger children it is more common in boys than girls, but as they grow older, the girls also catch with their male counterparts.
It is the reason why people seek treatment.
When ODD is present with ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, or other neuropsychiatry disorders, it makes life with that child far more difficult. For Example, ADHD plus ODD is much worse than ADHD alone, which by itself is
enough to make people seek treatment. The criteria for ODD are:
A pattern of negativistic, hostile, and defiant behavior lasting at least six months during which four or more of the following are...
Depression > Oppositional Defiant Disorder ? ODD
Myth Busting: What Causes Mental Breakdown?
Are you one of over 40 million people suffering a personal nightmare caused by stress, depression and anxiety? These illnesses are the modern plague and they ruin lives. And year in, year out, more and more people are affected. I came out of a nightmare 5-year period of anxiety and depression and I did it without taking any drugs. What frustrated me is that despite advances in understanding as to why people become stressed, depressed and anxious, sufferers are still told numerous myths about what causes their illness. This raises an important issue: How can people rid themselves of the pain of these illnesses if they don't know what is at the root cause? Surely, if progress is to be made, understanding must come first? Well in this article, I'm going to bust the myths and reveal what, EXACTLY, is at the root of these illnesses! The first myth I want to bust is that a period of serious illness can cause you to become depressed.
This could be anything from a nasty virus which confines...
Myth Busting: What Causes Mental Breakdown?
Depression > Myth Busting: What Causes Mental Breakdown?
Omega 3 EPA
Copyright 2006 David McEvoy
Introduction to Omega 3
Omega 3 fatty acids are known to be beneficial to health in a number of ways, and scientific evidence is accumulating to back up the beliefs of those who have taken it for years in the form of fish oil. Some scientists believe that, as well as reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death, Omega 3 can improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They can also reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by keeping the heart healthy.
There is much evidence to suggest that EPA especially benefits the diet and can help with a wide range of conditions and health issues. EPA is Eicosapentaenoic Acid, one of the two active ingredients in Omega 3 (the other being DHA or Docosahexaenoic Acid), and is now considered by some leading doctors and professors in the UK as being the single most vital nutrient in the functioning of the brain and nerve stimulation.
Upping the intake of Omega 3 can help with...
Depression > Omega 3 EPA
Understanding The Dreaded Income Tax Laws
Every year in April, Americans are faced with an imposing deadline ? tax day. Throughout the year, income is earned and then taxed. Depending on the way in which dependants are claimed and deductibles used, a person would then be entitled to money back come income tax time or they would have to pay taxes. In either case, dealing with income tax forms and laws can be a disturbing prospect.
Keep in mind that the United States lives on a budget just as regular families do. Their...
Depression > Understanding The Dreaded Income Tax Laws
London Terrorism Attack Likely to be Repeated in US
(ContentDesk) July 9, 2005 -- A terrorist attack against the american trucking industry is likely, according to Terry M. Evans, CEO, Fleet Defender Consulting Serivces, LLC, a company specializing in providing anti-terrorism and training services to trucking companies nationally. "The governement and the trucking industry have failed to respond adequently to the imminent risk facing our nation" states CEO Evans. "Without question, trucks are the # 1 tool and method used by terroist worldwide,...
London Terrorism Attack Likely to be Repeated in US Depression trucks How to Prevent Suicide
Depression > London Terrorism Attack Likely to be Repeated in US
Depression refinance How to Prevent Suicide
NOVAtime’s Payroll Interface with QuickBooks Pro, Premier and Enterprise Helps Small Businesses Save Time and Money
Monterey Park, Calif., January 31, 2006 NOVAtime, (www.novatime.com), an industry leader in providing organizations with state-of-the-art time and attendance solutions that is fully integrated with various time clocks and data collection terminals announced successful deployment of its payroll interface with direct data exchange with Intuits QuickBooks? 2006 Pro, QuickBooks? Premier Edition, and QuickBooks? Enterprise Solutions. NOVAtimes...
payroll NOVAtime’s Payroll Interface with QuickBooks Pro, Premier and Enterprise Helps Small Businesses Save Time and Money Depression How to Prevent Suicide
Depression > NOVAtime’s Payroll Interface with QuickBooks Pro, Premier and Enterprise Helps Small Businesses Save Time and Money
Altus Pharmaceutical announces new generic product.
Altus Pharmaceutical, a wholly owned Division of Quality Pharmaceutical Services Inc. (QPS) announces availability of its initial generic product offering, Naproxen Sodium 550, 500's, NDC 68722-9908-05.Altus is providing Private labeled Products, manufactured in the U.S. by FDA approved nationally recognized manufacturers. Altus's value in the marketplace is hallmarked by price, service and post service capabilities. Altu's pricing is ultra competitive; its service is demonstrated through its...
Altus Pharmaceutical announces new generic product.
Depression > Altus Pharmaceutical announces new generic product.
Do You Have a Round Toit?
Ah, let's see. You get up, get a cup of nice, hot coffee, sit down at the ole computer and resolve to get some serious work done. But first, let's check that weather report and see what the week will bring. Okay, decent weather. Now let's get down to business.
But first, maybe I'd better go and water those plants.Now, that done, let's get down to business. But wait, did I feed the cat? And I need another cup of coffee.My goodness, it's noon. Where did the time go? I've got to get a sandwich...
Do You Have a Round Toit?
Depression > Do You Have a Round Toit?
Depression
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