Growing concerns about mental health issues
My wife was highly upset yesterday and I did not know why. I kept on observing her and she was on her phone scrolling for a while. I finally asked her what was bothering her?
Generally, I try not to ask her as she is a therapist and there are things that she just does not talk about when at home. But she was highly upset and I decided to venture into asking. She finally shared that a famous designer committed suicide. Most people think that if you have money, you are free of any and all problems and that is simply not true. Kate Spade was said to be worth over 200 million dollars but her struggles with depression lead her to a tragic decision.
Depression is real and it is not linked to how much money anyone has. If you are feeling hopeless, overly emotional, and feel this way for a period of 2 weeks or more, please reach out for help. Suicide is not the answer, ever. There are ways to make things better.
You can help!
According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, you can help someone who is considering suicide by using the following five steps:
Step One: Ask. People think that asking someone if they have/ are considering killing themselves makes them want to do it — it does not. Do not be afraid, ask!
Step Two: Keep them safe. Have them seek immediate help, especially if they tell you that they have a plan already or have access to weapons.
Step Three: Listen. Allow them to speak to you without judgment and with empathy. Make yourself available and let them know that you are available.
Step Four: Help them find help. Ask them if you can go with them especially if they have attempted suicide before.
Step Five: Follow up with them. Do not leave them alone! Your support can make the difference and give him/her a reason to seek help and live.
Professional intervention is of extreme importance. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 has specialized counselors on the line to help. Talking can sometimes help someone who feels hopeless to recognize that they do have a reason to live.
Self Care is important
Coming from a therapeutic background, it is important that everyone finds the right life-work balance. Therapists are taught that they must find ways to incorporate daily self-care routines in order to remain healthy and help others. It is important to do what you love and to give yourself the time to decompress by maintaining yourself healthy both physically and mentally.
I will encourage everyone to learn to maintain a healthy diet and incorporate physical activities to your daily routines. If exercising is not for you, find alternatives such as meditation (there are sites to teach you how to meditate and to find healthier sleep patterns) or yoga.
My wife struggles with sleep as she suffers from insomnia and it is truly painful to see her not sleep for days. I do not know how she does it as she will go without sleep for days and still take care of everything at work and home. Insomnia can lead to depression and other significant health issues including heart conditions, anxiety, high blood pressure, and many other significant health conditions.
If you find yourself dealing with any of these, please find ways to take care of yourself. Start by contacting a professional such as your doctor or closest crisis center.
Recent Comments
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Jorge. This is fabulous information. Thanks so much for taking the time to write and post this. If you don't mind, I'd like to print this out and share it with some of my family members.
Thanks so much,
Wendi
Thoughtful post, a friend has a daughter who was raped, not surprisingly she tried to commit suicide, I had some articles around which I can publish so wrote a brief book on depression. This apparently helped. When I can find the time will turn this into an ebook or a full book on Depression and Anxiety. It is a very emotive subject and not given enough thought.
Hello, Jorge. I have had considerable experience dealing with people suffering with depression. Depression is a truly debilitating illness. With you, I urge anyone suffering from this illness, or having a friend or family member suffering, follow the steps you outlined.
Thanks for your helpful info.
Dottie
Hi Jorge,
You are right anxiety and depression afflicts just about all of us to some extent. Insomnia is a big factor in and if your wife is going for days without sleep then that would be one (i believe) certainly needs to be addressed.
If her sleep issues can be remedied, I think that would take a substantial bite out of the problem.
Along with what you have outlined above, wrapping your arms around a loved one and showing them they are dearly loved can go along way as well.
I realize that the site comments, feedback and give and take sections are are the places here where we display our posts but, if you don't mind I've written some a post and page on this topic in regards to brain function and anxiety/depression. I'm not an expert by any means but have researched into this topic pretty extensively.
If i may, I think these posts could offer some insight into some options worth looking into.
Please note that am not using this blog post as a platform to draw traffic to my site but just offer some perspective.
https://situationalwellness.com/wellness-resources/anxiety-and-depression
https://situationalwellness.com/if-memory-serves-well-insights-on-how-to-improve-your-brain-power
Also i was contacted by a rep from a health/nutrition website yesterday about exchanging links on our sites so, i checked their site out and they have some great information there. I think they would be worth taking a gander at.
https://www.cognitune.com/
I truly hope that this information can provide some steps in the right direction along with getting the professional help/counseling.
Intercessory prayer and (or) meditation are a big step in helping those we love as well, i believe.
My prayers are with you and your wife as to finding a resolution.
Blessings, Brad
Just saw this come over CNN--Another suicide just confirmed by CNN--Anthony Bourdain, a gifted storyteller and writer who took CNN viewers around the world, has died. He was 61.
What Kate Spade suffered from is a mental illness that under the Americans With Disabilities classifies as a disability. It's a hidden disability, that is rarely talked about. Because of the stigma surrounding mental illness, it's rarely talked about, but it is a real illness.
The brain is made up of a certain balance of chemicals and when they fluctuate that we have mood swings. In the case of someone who has bipolar disorder or depression, medication is needed to control the mood swings.
Rick Springfield published a book called Late Late at Night, where he talked about what it's like to live with constant depression. He has even worked with the National Institute for Mental Health(NIMH) to put out a PSA on MH. He has gone on talk shows where he's promoted his book and shed light on depression and its effects.---he calls it Mr. D and says it lives on his shoulder.
Another actor who has shed light on mental illness is Maurice Bernard, He was even hospitalized at 22 when he was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder originally called manic depression due to the wide mood swings. He's done PSA's for NIMH and been on talk shows like Oprah Winfrey to talk about it. He has even shed light on the disorder by making the mental illness a part of the character he plays(Sonny Corinthos) on the Soap General Hospital.
The connection between RS and MB both have roles and connections to the soap General Hospital
Kate Spade's sister spoke out about this saying that Late was always an excitable child and that she wasn't at all surprised that this happened because for several years she's tried to get her sister in for treatment. There were several interviews with Kate Spade that has surfaced where she talks about her anxieties and how it causes her to have sleepless nights. Before finally admitting that she was seeing a therapist for depression her husband tried to cover up what Kate's sister said by saying she didn't have a relationship with Kate and they hadn't talked for several years.
If her death has any meaning its shed light on Mental Health and the CDC announced that since 1999 suicide has increased by 25% and is the highest cause of death rather than car accidents.
I know Jorge, but Kate Spade refused offer of help from family. This is the most 'annoying' as you see a loved one desperately needs help, but you are powerless to step in, if they refuse. In UK, there's 'RIGHT TO REFUSE' and unfortunately there's NOTHING that can be done.
I've actually never heard of Kate Spade until it was on the news. Such a sad thing to happen. My heart goes out to her family, especially her 13 year old daughter.
I have a 21 year old daughter who suffers from depression. Just yesterday I could tell she wasn't herself. I followed her around the house telling her I wasn't going to leave her alone until she spoke to me.
Once I got on her nerves she just started laughing and telling me "Dad I'm fine" it was only then that I stopped following her around.
But I always tell her that if she ever needs to talk, I don't care what time it is. To please talk to me especially if she has bad thoughts, and she always does.
Depression is a serious disease and can be undetected if your not vigilant. Thank you for the share Jeoge and I hope your wife can find a solution for her insomnia, I can only imagine what she and yourself must go through.
Hi Florencio,
Thanks for the positive feedback. I myself had no idea who Kate Spade was until yesterday. However, as a father of three, one with special needs, it hits home particularly hard. My wife was very touched because of the child whom must be so very confused and searching for answers.
The stigma associated with mental health continues to be one of the most significant barriers for those affected by mental health disorders. Because of the stigma and the lack of awareness about the impact, long term, of these disorder, most people do not seek help. We must improved the way we talk about mental health and access to resources. #depressionhurts.
Thank you so much Florencio. Much Success,
George
By the way Florencio, I hope you continue to talk with your daughter about appropriate coping skills, which you obviously do, as you make sure she verbalizes her frustrations to you. I was very happy to hear that you took the time to make sure she was processing the event appropriately. We are always here if you need guidance.
George
Yes I do and will always continue to talk to her about it. We had her going to a therapist twice a week when she was younger, but she works now and doesn't have the time which is why I keep a close eye on her. I really appreciate your offer of guidance George. Thank you!
Hi Jorge:
Thank you for this very useful information that could save a life!
And you're right. Money can't solve all your problems as exemplified by Kate Spade and Robin Williams.
Absolutely,
Depression is experienced by everyone. The difference and impact is directly linked on our ability to properly cope with it.
Thanks for the positive feedback, Much success,
George
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Great post Jorge!! Very informative!!!
Tried and True
Elaine