Depression/Suicide Support Thread

This thread is intended to serve as a thread for any member who is struggling with something and needs someone to talk to. As we have seen in recent days, sometimes people are struggling with demons that they are unable to conquer on their own.

We are here to help you.

If you need someone to talk to, you may either post it in this thread and/or PM one of the people listed in this thread.

All of those listed have agreed to not being judgmental, are willing to listen, and would love to help you if you need it.

If you choose to post in this thread, please know that it is a Safe Zone. Any judgmental comments will quickly be moderated out of the thread. This has been cleared through Mara, the site Admin.

I am also asking, as the OP of the thread, that no one in this thread share suicide stories. I don’t believe that to be helpful and will politely ask you to do it in another thread.

Out of respect for those that feel comfortable posting in here, please do not quote them. That way, if they choose to, they will have the option of deleting their post later. Thank you for respecting their privacy.

Here are the links to the Listeners:
Ellie http://members.baby-gaga.com/member754933
Jessica http://members.baby-gaga.com/member62375
iCat http://members.baby-gaga.com/member555705
Brittany http://members.baby-gaga.com/member782390
Libertarian http://members.baby-gaga.com/member383442
Peitra http://members.baby-gaga.com/member479166
Chelsea http://members.baby-gaga.com/member687793
Elizabeth http://members.baby-gaga.com/member28991
Amy http://members.baby-gaga.com/member471464
Jay http://members.baby-gaga.com/member766390
Becca http://members.baby-gaga.com/member728850
SemiCharmed http://members.baby-gaga.com/member24994
Mary http://members.baby-gaga.com/member58808
Amanda http://members.baby-gaga.com/member570345
Malia Joy http://members.baby-gaga.com/member729227
Megan http://members.baby-gaga.com/member749245
Lesley http://members.baby-gaga.com/member443019
Taylor http://members.baby-gaga.com/member731237
Rose http://members.baby-gaga.com/member561645
Stacey http://members.baby-gaga.com/member497318
Alyssa http://members.baby-gaga.com/member747245
Haley http://members.baby-gaga.com/member504841
Colleen http://members.baby-gaga.com/member589678

Also, if you are having suicidal thoughts, you should call
1-800-273-TALK
Or go to
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

If you do not feel comfortable talking about your problems on BG (for whatever reason), there is also a closed FB group ran by some BG ladies to protect your BG privacy.
BG Depression Group

Here is some information on Suicide Prevention that could save a life! Please read!

I know this won't take the place of an actual seminar or workshop on suicide prevention, but I think it's good information for people to have anyway.

http://www.baby-gaga.com/outbound.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fdepression%2Fguide%2Fdepression-recognizing-signs-of-suicide&post_id=6142294

Are there risk factors for suicide?

Risk factors for thoughts of suicide can vary with age, gender, and ethnic group. And risk factors often occur in combinations.

Over 90% of people who die by suicide have clinical depression or another diagnosable mental disorder. Many times, people who die by suicide have a substance abuse problem. Often they have that problem in combination with other mental disorders.

Adverse or traumatic life events in combination with other risk factors, such as clinical depression, may lead to suicide. But suicide and suicidal behavior are never normal responses to stress.

Other risk factors for suicide include:

• One or more prior suicide attempts Family history of mental disorder or substance abuse Family history of suicide Family violence Physical or sexual abuse Keeping firearms in the home Incarceration Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others

Are there warning signs of suicide?

Warning signs that someone may be thinking about or planning to commit suicide include:

• Always talking or thinking about death Clinical depression -- deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating -- that gets worse Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death such as driving fast or running red lights Losing interest in things one used to care about Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will Saying things like "it would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out" Sudden, unexpected switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy Talking about suicide or killing one's self Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

Be especially concerned if a person is exhibiting any of these warning signs and has attempted suicide in the past. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, between 20% and 50% of people who commit suicide have had a previous attempt.

What should I do if someone has signs of suicide and clinical depression?

First, if someone you know appears to be depressed and is contemplating suicide, take that person seriously. Listen to what he or she is saying. Take the initiative to ask that person what he or she is planning. But don't attempt to argue him or her out of committing suicide. Rather, let the person know that you care and understand and are listening. Avoid statements like: "You have so much to live for."

If someone you know appears to be depressed and talks about suicide, makes a suicidal gesture, or attempts suicide, take it as a serious emergency. Listen to the person, but don't try to argue with him or her. Seek immediate help from a health care professional.

Depressed people are often suicidal. It is a key symptom of the disease. Some studies show that the neurotransmitter serotonin plays a central role in the neurobiology of suicide. Researchers have found lower levels of serotonin in the brainstem and cerebrospinal fluid of suicidal individuals.

In addition, suicidal behavior sometimes runs in families. Remember, any talk of suicide is always an emergency. Have the person talk with a health care professional immediately.

Where can I seek help for suicide and depression?

Encourage the person to seek the help of a mental health professional. Because the person probably doesn't think it's possible to be helped, you'll probably have to be persistent and go with that person.

If your loved one appears to be in imminent danger of committing suicide, do not leave him or her alone. Remove any weapons or drugs he or she could use. Accompany him or her to the nearest emergency room.

During treatment, be supportive. Help the person remember to take antidepressant medications and to continue any other therapy that's been prescribed.

http://www.baby-gaga.com/outbound.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.save.org%2Findex.cfm%3Ffuseaction%3Dhome.viewPage%26page_ID%3D705E1907-C4DD-5D32-2C7087CE5924CCA4&post_id=6142294

If You See the Warning Signs of Suicide...

Begin a dialogue by asking questions. Suicidal thoughts are common with depressive illnesses and your willingness to talk about it in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational way can be the help a person needs to seeking professional help. Questions okay to ask:

• "Do you ever feel so badly that you think about suicide?" "Do you have a plan to commit suicide or take your life?" "Have you thought about when you would do it (today, tomorrow, next week)?" "Have you thought about what method you would use?"

Asking these questions will help you to determine if your friend or family members is in immediate danger, and get help if needed. A suicidal person should see a doctor or mental health professional immediately. Calling 911 or going to a hospital emergency room are also good options to prevent a tragic suicide attempt or death. Calling the National Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK is also a resource for you or the person you care about for help. Remember, always take thoughts of or plans for suicide seriously.

Never keep a plan for suicide a secret. Don’t worry about risking a friendship if you truly feel a life is in danger. You have bigger things to worry about-someone’s life might be in danger! It is better to lose a relationship from violating a confidence than it is to go to a funeral. And most of the time they will come back and thank you for saving their life.

Don't try to minimize problems or shame a person into changing their mind. Your opinion of a person's situation is irrelevant. Trying to convince a person suffering with a mental illness that it's not that bad, or that they have everything to live for may only increase their feelings of guilt and hopelessness. Reassure them that help is available, that depression is treatable, and that suicidal feelings are temporary. Life can get better!

If you feel the person isn't in immediate danger, acknowledge the pain as legitimate and offer to work together to get help. Make sure you follow through. This is one instance where you must be tenacious in your follow-up. Help find a doctor or a mental health professional, participate in making the first phone call, or go along to the first appointment. If you're in a position to help, don't assume that your persistence is unwanted or intrusive. Risking your feelings to help save a life is a risk worth taking.

C.

I would love to be a listener.
I've been needing support lately, and I would love to return the favor.

You're amazing for this. <3

And guys, if you send me a PM and I don't answer right away I WILL get back to you. I usually take naps with my daughter during the day. But I'm on till late late at night most the time. And don't be ashamed to message one of us. <3

Great idea. I would could be a listener since I am online a lot and have personal experience with these issues.

I'll be a listener. It's something I'm good at. Lol.

This is a great idea.

I actually would like to be a "listener."
I like to be helpful and supportive, and I offer my ear to a lot of people on the site.  

I think this is a beautiful idea. thank you

This is a great idea op!

I can listen/read. just leave my link and they can pm me if they ever need it.
ETA:
oh my name is Dejah btw.

you can post my name as Cat, instead of Icat, so people can address me personally  

and I meant to add. I would be more than happy to listen.

Quoting ★ Irishewwie™ {VAG}:" You're amazing for this. <3 And guys, if you send me a PM and I don't answer right away I WILL get ... [snip!] ... my daughter during the day. But I'm on till late late at night most the time. And don't be ashamed to message one of us. <3"

   

Hi ladies. I am so glad this popped up on my sidebar. Just diagnosed with major depressive disorder and bi-polar. Have attempted suicide twice in the past month. It has not been a good year so far, but things are looking up. Now I am on Prozac and divalproex I think is the name.

I just added a bunch of listeners.

I have to get offline right now, but I will be back back to update and make any changes here soon.

To anyone reading this, PLEASE let us help you if we can. We don't want to lose any more BG members.