Welcome to Save a Life's MySpace page! This page was created to spread awareness
about depression and suicide prevention. It is here to Myspace Layout Stealer
Are You Depressed?
Yes, we all get 'the blues', but if you can't seem to shake your depression, chances are you have a depressive disorder. Below is a list of characteristics of major depression, and if you or a loved one has had these symptoms persistently for more than two weeks, then chances are they need to see a mental health professional and get diagnosed. Other disorders that may include similar symptoms are:bipolar illness, anxiety disorder, or attention deficit disorder.
Feeling of worthlessness, loss of purpose, feeling emptyIncreased abuse (taking too many pills, self mutilation, increased alcohol consumption)changes in sleeping or eating patterns (decrease in sleep or appetite, or increase)increased irritability, uncontrollable anger and mood swingsno relief in physical painstalk of suicide, or planning suicide attempts, writing suicide notes etcfear, worrytrouble concentratinglosing interest in activities you once enjoyedlow energy, feeling sluggishlow self-esteem
Steps you can take
towards alleviating your depression
1. Eat healthy
2. Keep a journal, write poetry
3. Pick up hobbies that will shift your focus away from depression, such as gardening, woodworking, traveling, photography, art, and writing.
4. Go for a walk everyday, to expose yourself to sun and fresh air
5. Resolve conflicts, do not instigate fights with parents (cough lol) or things you know will have negative consequences.
6. Exercise - this is very important, and it helps. If you sit around at the computer all day (like me) and not do anything, it can depress your mood. But if you get up and dance, go for a walk or a run, or just move around doing aerobics or something, it can have a tremendous affect, increasing your energy and lessening your depression.
7. Maintain relations - make sure you go out with friends
8. Dispute negative thinking
9. Plan special activities
How do you know if
someone is suicidal?
Well, the list below is a series of signs a person will display when he or she are feeling suicidal.
thinking and/or talking about suicideincreased substance abuseangerfeeling hopeless and trapped, not having any purposewithdrawalgiving away prized posessions and moneymood swingsreckless and dangerous behaviorvisiting, calling, or emailing people that one care's about, usually including deep and heartfelt messagespreoccupation with deathand most of all, feeling calm and happy, this usually indicates that the person has made up their mind about taking their lives, which gives them relief and people see them as suddenly 'better'
What Can I Do?
If you see some of these signs in a person, be up front about the topic of suicide. Don't beat around the bush, this person needs to express their feelings about the matter and about what they are feeling. Ask them questions like, "Have things ever gotten so bad in your life you have considered taking your life?" or "Are you thinking about committing suicide. If so, how, and when?" Once you have enough information from the person, you can determine if they are at risk or not. DO NOT KEEP IT A SECRET. Do not think they won't follow through with their threats. You never know if a person will take their life or not, so your best bet is to contact 911, or a parent, or checking them into your local emergency room facility immediately.
Other things to keep in mind: Do not dare the person to take their life, this is the worst possible thing one can do.Do not degrade the person or shame the person into changing their mind. This only creates more guilt and despair. Do not make the other person feel like they are irrelevant or that their feelings are worthless. Their feelings are just as valid as anyone else's and should be treated with care!
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