EP 008: Our Darkest Days with Depression and Suicide

In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month, Purpose Lounge is shining a light on depression, anxiety and suicide.

, Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 10 to 24. This is a real issue for a LOT of people, young and old. 

My story is real! My son (my youngest by a minute, … we have twins) battles depression and has expressed thoughts of suicide.  It started about 4 years ago when he was diagnosed with ADHD. The challenges with focus and attention were not the only obstacles our son faced. He was also having a hard time socially.  The impulsivity that often times comes pre-packaged with ADHD made his social interactions… awkward.

In the midst of trying to figure out the right approach to help our son manage his ADHD, we started to experience times when he would become depressed and anxious.  He began to express feelings of being confused and “not wanting to be on the planet.” This was just the beginning of what would become some of hardest days, weeks and months that we, as a family, would face.  This is episode is OUR story.

As part of National Suicide Prevention month, we encourage all of our listeners to follow #BeThe1To, support suicide prevention and help others in crisis.  This campaign is dedicated to helping everyone better understand the importance of suicide prevention, providing information on how you can help someone in crisis. 

If you are struggling with depression or know someone who might be in need of help, write down this number: 1-800-273-8255.  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Know the Warning Signs

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings

What can you do when you see these warning signs?

• Take your loved one seriously: Some people feel that kids who say they are going to hurt or kill themselves are “just doing it for attention.” But if your child, friend, or family member confides thoughts of suicide, believe them and get help.
• Listen with empathy and provide support: A fight or breakup might not seem like a big deal, but for a young person it can feel immense. Sympathize and listen. Minimizing what your child or friend is going through can increase his or her sense of hopelessness.
• Don’t keep suicide a secret: If your friend is considering suicide, don’t promise to keep it a secret. Tell him or her you can help, but you need to involve other people, like a trusted adult. Neither of you have to face this alone.
• Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to let your friends, family, or teachers know what you need when they ask; they want to help. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline any time — calls are confidential.
• Remember that this feeling can be overcome: Family conflict, relationships, grades, sexual identity, and the loss of important people can seem impossible to deal with. But with support from others, you can.

Please share this episode.  It's time to remove the stigma and shame that is associated with depression and help prevent suicide! The only way to do this is by TALKING OPENLY ABOUT DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE.  Suicide is NOT a solution.  

Thank you, Purpose Seekers and Purpose Achievers!  You are MY kind of tribe!!