Presently much conversation is being made about suicide with the death of Robin Williams. We often have difficulty understanding when from the outside we are looking in and it seems as though he had everything. Mental Illness/ substance use disorders, however, knows no socio-economical boundaries. Mental Illness/ substance use disorders do not discriminate in favor of talented people. Mental Illness/ substance use disorders can affect anyone.
I am not a fan of the pharmaceutical company advertisements of psychotropic medications, but they do have it right about the pain of depression. It hurts. Anxiety is also a very painful experience. It is highly common for both of these to occur together. Additionally, it has long been reported that about half the people with substance use disorders also experience a diagnosable mental disorder and vice versa.
This is not the time for us spread more mystery, disbelief and shame thereby adding to the stigma that only adds to the loneliness and further discourages people from seeking treatment. This is a time for us to get more aware that many of our fellow brothers and sisters are secretly suffering. However, there are often signs to which we can pay attention: discontinuing engagement with friends and family (isolating), reduced interest in commonly enjoyed activities, talking about death/ suicide, telling people "good-bye", giving belongings away, hopelessness ("what's the use", "I am done", "nothing really matters anymore", "I don't matter"), increased substance use, increased anxiety (worry, panic, avoidant behavior), and even a general sense that someone you know is just not "right".
Even when you pay attention, you may miss it - after all, people often do a very good job of hiding and ultimately it is their responsibility to speak up and ask for help. But asking for help is not easy, it actually takes great courage. If it is you who is experiencing depression, anxiety and/or suicidal thoughts; speak up and seek help at the nearest Emergency Department. If you do sense or notice that there may be something going on with someone else, your presence and concern can be invaluable. Show your compassion. TELL SOMEONE OF YOUR CONCERN! Tell the person directly, a family member, a professional, school teacher, minister, etc. You can be part of the solution.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK, which received over 1 million calls last year.
I am not a fan of the pharmaceutical company advertisements of psychotropic medications, but they do have it right about the pain of depression. It hurts. Anxiety is also a very painful experience. It is highly common for both of these to occur together. Additionally, it has long been reported that about half the people with substance use disorders also experience a diagnosable mental disorder and vice versa.
This is not the time for us spread more mystery, disbelief and shame thereby adding to the stigma that only adds to the loneliness and further discourages people from seeking treatment. This is a time for us to get more aware that many of our fellow brothers and sisters are secretly suffering. However, there are often signs to which we can pay attention: discontinuing engagement with friends and family (isolating), reduced interest in commonly enjoyed activities, talking about death/ suicide, telling people "good-bye", giving belongings away, hopelessness ("what's the use", "I am done", "nothing really matters anymore", "I don't matter"), increased substance use, increased anxiety (worry, panic, avoidant behavior), and even a general sense that someone you know is just not "right".
Even when you pay attention, you may miss it - after all, people often do a very good job of hiding and ultimately it is their responsibility to speak up and ask for help. But asking for help is not easy, it actually takes great courage. If it is you who is experiencing depression, anxiety and/or suicidal thoughts; speak up and seek help at the nearest Emergency Department. If you do sense or notice that there may be something going on with someone else, your presence and concern can be invaluable. Show your compassion. TELL SOMEONE OF YOUR CONCERN! Tell the person directly, a family member, a professional, school teacher, minister, etc. You can be part of the solution.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK, which received over 1 million calls last year.
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