Suicide is a Leading Cause of Death

Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide in the world each year, which is roughly one death every 40 seconds, and suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in the world for those aged 15-24 years.

What can you do to help those who are depressed, suicidal, or attempted suicide?

• Seek professional help ASAP
• Learn the symptoms and warning signs
• Ask them the difficult questions
• Listen, love, and care for the ones in crisis.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, get help immediately. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Seasonal Depression is Real

Seasonal depression, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is real. It is triggered by changes in seasons and is classified as a major depressive disorder. If you notice changes in your mood and symptoms of depression, contact your medical doctor immediately for help. Here are some of the symptoms you might have if you have seasonal depression:

• Sadness, feeling depressed most of the day, almost every day.
• Anxiety.
• Carbohydrate cravings and weight gain.
• Extreme fatigue and lack of energy.
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Feeling irritated or agitated.
• Limbs (arms and legs) that feel heavy.
• Loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities, including withdrawing from social activities.
• Sleeping problems (usually oversleeping).
• Thoughts of death or suicide

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, get help immediately. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Physically Health vs. Mentally Health

Looking good on the outside does not mean you feel good on the inside. It is just as important to work on your mental health as you would your physical health. If you are having symptoms associated with mental health issues, reach out and say something. Speak to your parents, a counselor, a doctor, or a teacher; just don’t keep it a secret. You are not alone; everyone is struggling with something big or small, and it is okay to ask for help. Please say something!

Let’s talk …

Let’s start normalizing conversations about mental illness so people suffering in silence can feel safe and comfortable asking for help. We also need to learn how to actively listen to the ones asking for help, pay attention to their words, and let them feel heard, and they will tell you where and how it hurts. Let’s start talking about mental illness, so suicide is no longer an option.

Negative to Positive

Learning how to forgive and let go of negative experiences releases you from carrying the burdens that cause tension in your body and stress in your mind. By forgiving and letting go, the negative experiences no longer linger in your thoughts and mind.