During September, it is very common for us to begin experiencing mood fluctuation; your brain reacts to the change in weather. Fall is generally when the body slowly takes its time introducing the first steps in SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). The sun is shining its light less, decreasing our serotonin levels and before you know it, it turns into depression. If you have already been suffering from depression, this could make symptoms worse, increasing the risk of suicide.
September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day.
#Worldsuicidepreventionday #Keepgoing #Worthlivingfor #Tomorrowneedsyou
The discussion about suicide is still daunting and downright taboo, it is not an easy topic. It is an epidemic that directly or indirectly impacts us all. Those who need help sometimes are reluctant to find it due to the stigmas in treatment, and views from others. Although preventable, it is an illness that needs to be taken seriously. We all have a role to play, and no one should fight this alone. If we work collaboratively, we can spread hope, change public perception, and share vital information for better support.
It is not helpful for anyone to disregard thoughts or statements of suicide, so we encourage you take it as an opportunity to recognize they are struggling and help them with accessing support.
Support and making social connections with others are key to mental wellness. Building relationships and face-to-face networking should be made a priority in your mental health. It sounds easier to read and say than it is to perform.
If depression is severe, it can be a struggle for most to even think of leaving their home. While you may feel happy being alone, it is not always supporting you. Persistent social isolation can increase depression symptoms, give poor sleep quality, cognitive decline, poor cardiovascular health, lack of energy and motivation, and more. Loneliness only grows with the less support and social network(s) you have. Keeping busy keeps your mind and body distracted.
Factors that may increase someone’s risk of suicide include: mental illness like depression, financial hardship, substance abuse, loss of someone close, trauma exposure, chronic pain, and more.
Did you know that those who die by suicide or attempt suicide may not want to end their life? Depending on the severity and the situation, it may just feel like it is the only way to deal with it. Suicide generally happens with warning signs. If attempted once, the chances of them trying again are very high. Talking about suicide openly is a key to prevention, so let’s make this conversation easier.
Below are some things to consider trying if you are feeling depression is taking over.
Consider taking CBD – a natural approach.
Controlling some of the depression and anxiety symptoms can be the first step on the pathway to healing. Having a small burst of energy and motivation may help you get up and out. CBD has been commonly used for treating symptoms of depression with several pre-clinical research articles to prove its efficacy. CBD has appeared to activate other receptors outside of the CB2 receptor, such as 5HT1A, a sub-type of serotonin. At high doses CBD directly activates this receptor, the same receptor plays an important role in addiction, appetite, sleep, pain perception, nausea, and vomiting.
Join a local like-minded support group.
Meetings are now taking place in-person and virtually, locally, and internationally. If getting out is hard, you can build networks from the comfort of your home with like-minded people. Attending a group of those who have lived through a similar experience may help you find the answers to why you feel the way you do. They will understand, demonstrate compassion, and share experiences. In turn, it potentially may better assist you. You can gain some great friendships who are there to push you through when times are tough.
Volunteer
I get it, how can I suggest for you to get out and help others in your community when you are struggling to get out and help yourself in general?
By committing your time and dedication to others during specific times on a regular basis, it gives you a reason to get up and get out. You have a purpose, and after helping others it can give us powerful senses of accomplishment. According to research evidence, there are favourable associations between volunteering and decreased depression. The people or animals you work with do not know what you are going through, they do not know your personal story, opening the opportunity to develop new relationships. You can volunteer with others, helping at local hospitals, working with animals or help in the community. There is something for everyone.
Sometimes it is hard to admit we need outside help and other times it is hard to get up. Just know that you are not alone, there are people who care, and things to help the way you feel. Do not suffer through this alone because tomorrow NEEDS YOU!