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.