Levert Allison -- "Hear That River" (A Word About Depression And Suicide ...)

Unfortunately, I am quite busy again at the moment. So my posts are a bit sporadic. But the suicide of Robin Williams had me pause a moment and write a few words about depression and its "cure" that is all too often suicide.

Please, if you know someone who shows signs of depression, talk to them. Let them know that there is a way out through therapy. Help them to initiate the steps necessary to receive help. Have them see their primary care physician or a nurse or a medical professional. It could save a life!

If the person in question is not suicidal, finding help will definitely improve their lives and lift that terrible feeling that is often described as an unbearable pain. Others may refer to a feeling of nothingness.

"“The so-called ‘psychotically depressed’ person who tries to kill herself doesn’t do so out of quote ‘hopelessness’ or any abstract conviction that life’s assets and debits do not square. And surely not because death seems suddenly appealing. The person in whom its invisible agony reaches a certain unendurable level will kill herself the same way a trapped person will eventually jump from the window of a burning high-rise. ..."           (David Foster Wallace)

Here are some of the signs of depression and suicidal tendencies everyone should know about:

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:

Continue reading below..

    Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Are There Warning Signs of Suicide With Depression?

Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. Do not hesitate to call your local suicide hotline immediately. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) -- or the deaf hotline at 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889).

Warning signs of suicide with depression include:

• A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
• Always talking or thinking about death
• Clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse
• Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, such as driving through red lights
• Losing interest in things one used to care about
• Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
• Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will
• Saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
• Talking about suicide (killing one's self)
• Visiting or calling people one cares about

Remember, if you or someone you know is demonstrating any of the above warning signs of suicide with depression, either call your local suicide hot line, contact a mental health professional right away, or go to the emergency room for immediate treatment.

(webmed)

... and remember: depression can affect anyone: rich, poor, educated, beautiful, religious. It is a disease that cannot be controlled by will power.

This song is dedicated to all those who took their own lives. May their souls rest in peace. 

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