Focus on Life India

HELP YOURSELF WHEN YOU'RE FEELING SUICIDAL

The following are some ways to help you cope with suicidal feelings:

Tell your therapist, a friend, a family member, or someone else who can help.

Distance yourself from any means of suicide. If you are thinking of taking an overdose, give your medicines to someone who can give them to you one day at a time. Remove any dangerous objects or weapons from your home.

Avoid alcohol and other drugs of abuse.

Avoid doing things you're likely to fail at or find difficult until you're feeling better. Know what your present limits are and don't try to go beyond them until you feel better. Set realistic goals for yourself and work at them slowly, one step at a time.

Make a written schedule for yourself every day and stick to it no matter what. Set priorities for the things that need to be done first. Cross things out on your schedule as you finish them. A written schedule gives you a sense of predictability and control. Crossing out tasks as you complete them gives a feeling of accomplishment.

In your daily schedule don't forget to schedule at least two 30-minute periods for activities which in the past have given you some pleasure such as: listening to music, playing a musical instrument, meditating doing relaxation exercises, doing needlework, reading a book or magazine, taking a warm bath, sewing, writing, shopping, playing games, watching your favorite DVD or video, gardening, playing with your pet, participating in a hobby, taking a drive or a walk.

Take care of your physical health. Eat a well-balanced diet. Don't skip meals. Get as much sleep as you need, and go out for one or two 30-minute walks each day..

Make sure you spend at least 30-minutes a day in the sun. Bright light is good for everyone with depression, not just people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). You may not feel very social but make yourself talk to other people. Whether you talk about your feelings or about any other topic, reducing your social isolation is likely to be helpful. Remember that while it may feel as if it will never end, depression is not a permanent condition.

RESPONDING TO A DEPRESSED OR A SUICIDAL STUDENT

If you suspect that a student has a problem with depression, take time to talk with him or her. The student may not even realize that he or she is suffering from depression. Listen to the student and make sure that he or she knows that you care. Help the student to understand that no matter how overwhelming his or her problems seem, help is available. Don't hesitate to ask students if they have thought about, intend, or have plans to commit suicide. You won't give them any new ideas, and you may save a life by asking. If the student admits to feeling suicidal, stay with him/her and get professional help immediately. Otherwise, refer the student to a counselor or psychologist for further assessment. Make sure that the student's parents or guardians are informed of your concerns. You can also provide important support by helping to link the student's family with information and referral to community agencies.

WHEN YOU'RE CONCERNED A STUDENT MAY BE SUICIDAL

Ask directly if he or she is considering suicide. Ask whether he or she has made a specific plan and has done anything to carry it out. Explain the reasons for your concerns. Listen openly to the student; tell the student that you care and that no matter how overwhelming his or her problems seem, help is available.

Then, help the student to get professional help. Generally, schools have a counselor or psychologist designated who can carry out a thorough evaluation of the student and make appropriate referrals. Even if a student requests confidentiality, parents must be immediately notified of your concerns.

If the student will not talk with you or you are uncomfortable talking with the student, notify others, including the appropriate counselor or psychologist at your school and the student's parents, of your concerns and then follow-up to make sure that action was taken.

If a student has a detailed plan or appears acutely suicidal and will not talk, he or she could be in immediate danger and it is important to get help right away. Do not leave the student alone, and seek help immediately, getting him/her to a hospital emergency room if necessary.

SUBSTANCE USE AND SUICIDE

Teens that use alcohol and/or other drugs are much more likely to attempt and die by suicide. In one study of teen suicide, drug and alcohol abuse was the most common characteristic of those who attempted suicide: 70% of the youth who died by suicide frequently used alcohol and/or other drugs. However, research has not proven that drug and alcohol use actually causes suicidal behavior, only that the two behaviors are associated. It may be that teens that have emotional problems are more likely to use drugs and to contemplate suicide. Another possibility is that the use of drugs aggravates pre-existing depression or other emotional problems. Drugs and alcohol may also impair the judgment of teens considering suicide, making suicide attempts more likely.

I DECIDE TO CONQUER SUICIDE

One can conquer suicidal thoughts and tendencies by surrendering his thoughts and worries to his creator God who knows what he is going through. Knowledge on the topic can provide us understanding but surrendering to the savior can give us freedom. Freedom from every bondage of satanic provocations and compulsions.

YES, I decide to break free from every bondage by inviting my savior Jesus Christ into my life

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