The Focus Clinic

          There are different types and level of depression, from unipolar to bipolar depression; from mild to severe depression. The first clinical symptoms, however, may be similar: amongst those symptoms, a persistent ‘low’ mood, with unhealthy negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, guilt; tiredness; loss of energy; insomnia; feelings of worthlessness; changes to appetite, leading to loss or gain of weight; difficulty in thinking or concentrating; and lost of interest or pleasure in things.

According to a report from Samaritans, ‘the lifetime risk of suicide for people suffering from severe depression may be as high as 6%. This compares with a risk of 1.3% in the general population. For those with bipolar, suicide risks are high, at 15 times that of the general population’ (Source: Samaritans).

When life seems so unfair, and the future does not look bright any more, depressed people may at some point decide to ‘put an end to their sufferings’ by taking their own lives. If you know someone who talks about it, do not underestimate this statement and seek professional assistance immediately. Most people who committed suicide previously gave verbal ‘warnings’ or definite signs of their intentions and it is important to take those ‘warnings’ seriously.

Attempted suicide amongst young people aged 15-24 years is a major concern worldwide and attempted suicide rates by young men aged 15-24 have increased drastically in the last ten years. Suicide and attempted suicide occur in all groups in society and can happen to anybody.

Cheering a suicidal person up, encouraging her to talk about her thoughts and feelings, and developing a relationship based on trust and support can alleviate the suicidal person’s mood and help her realise the severity of her action tendancies. Attempted suicide, as well as self harm, is often the result of a dissociative state. Allowing the suicidal person to put words to her sufferings can be of great help. Probably more than you can ever imagine.

Our today’s society still finds it difficult to hear about consequences of depression, whether it is self harm or suicide. We simply do not want to hear about it, or talk about it. Suicidal people know it too well, too, and may have the feeling that nobody wants to help them. Sending verbal warnings or showing signs of suicidal tendancies IS however a cry for help. Most suicidal people feel ambivalent about living and dying, and wanting to die often conflicts with some remaining desire to live.

If you know someone who may display a suicidal behaviour, or if you feel suicidal yourself, help him/her to seek professional assistance, or seek professional help for yourself now. Remember that there is no so-called ’suicidal type’ of people. It can happen to anybody.

Any of us.

Stephanie - info@thefocusclinic.co.uk

         Depression is a very common mental health problem worldwide and it is estimated that it will become the second most common cause of disability, after heart disease, by 2020 (Source: Samaritans UK). Amongst people who suffer from depression, some of them will self-harm, with or without the intent to commit suicide.

Self-harm, also known as deliberate self-harm, is a major concern amongst young people. Self harmers find it hard to talk about their destructive behaviour and will most of the time keep it secret. People who happen to witness the result of self harming may find themselves feel disturbed and powerless towards the situation.

People who self harm deliberately inflict injury upon themselves, by cutting or burning themselves, bruising themselves, picking their skin or pulling their hair out. Often seen as a cry for help or a suicide attempt, self harm is actually more a way for the self harmer to cope with unhealthy negative emotions derived from elements of his past or present. Self harming gives relief by substituting physical pain for emotional pain.

It has been found that people who self harm have often experienced abuse of a sexual, physical or emotional nature when they were a child or a young adult – although not all people who have been abused will self harm at some point in their life. Self harming can also be the result of bullying, poor self image or substance addictions.

If you are a self harmer or know someone who might self mutilate, break the silence and talk to your GP or a mental health specialist. They will be able to help you identify the unhealthy negative emotions that are at the core of the self harming behaviour and express those negative feelings.

Don’t give up. You are not alone. Seek assistance now.

Stephanie - info@thefocusclinic.co.uk