Depression is not just sadness. Sometimes we may not even know when someone we love is depressed. Learn about the other symptoms of depression and get the right help.
Just yesterday someone told me, “I thought when you are depressed you are just sad”. In fact, depression often involves feeling empty, alone, easily irritated, restless, agitated, indecisive and overwhelmed by guilt. It can include a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, having difficulty sleeping, being unable to concentrate and the experience of suicidal thoughts.
Later on, I was reading about the death of vocalist Chester Bennington from the band Linkin Park, who sadly took his own life. His wife Linda, in tweeted messages, stated that suicidal thoughts were there but the way he behaved and engaged with his kids meant that no one would have suspected that he would take his own life.
Not everyone who has thoughts about death is at risk of taking their own life, but we can never take the risk of not getting help. There are many families in similar situations where they thought that their loved one was getting better because they smiled or engaged, but then, unfortunately, took their own life.
If you are struggling, if you find the experience of suicidal thoughts increasing, if you feel that there is no way out ? just give your doctor or psychologist a call. Try one more time to get help. You need to talk to someone if you experience these symptoms:
- feeling empty
- feeling alone and isolated
- becoming easily irritated
- experiencing a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- having difficulty sleeping
- feeling restless or agitated
- feeling overwhelmed by guilt
- becoming indecisive and unable to concentrate
- experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The solution might not be easy but the majority of the time something can be done. Pay particular attention if you struggle with impulsivity and have become more impulsive. Research suggests that impulsivity places you at a higher risk. Research also suggests that many people just want the pain to end, and difficulties tolerating this pain often push them towards self-harm. As well, if you have noticed that using drugs or alcohol makes you more vulnerable and you struggle more with managing your mood and emotions, do something about it.
If you are in Australia and you experience thoughts about suicide and are feeling vulnerable and alone, call lifeline 13 11 14.
If you are at a point where you can’t guarantee your safety, call 000 immediately.
If you are struggling to organize an appointment with your psychologist, don’t just hope that the problem will go away on its own. Help yourself to get better, take the first step to call your therapist and make an appointment.
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