Written by: Lynn   Editted by: Alex
Suicide is a tragic reaction to stressful life situations, especially when it can be prevented. Whether you're considering suicide or know someone who feels suicidal, learning the suicidal warning signs and how to reach out for help can help to save a life — your own or someone else's.

What are suicidal thoughts? Suicidal thoughts, or suicide ideation, refers to thinking about or planning suicide. Thoughts can range from creating a detailed plan to having a fleeting consideration. But it does not include the final act of suicide.
Many people experience suicidal thoughts, especially during times of stress or when they are facing mental or physical health challenges. Suicidal thoughts are usually a symptom of an underlying problem. A person who experiences suicidal thoughts may show the following symptoms:

* ●    Talking about suicide — for e.g. making statements such as "I'm going to kill myself" or "I wish I were dead"
* ●    Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying dangerous weapons or stockpiling pills
* ●    Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone
* ●    Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next
* ●    Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence
* ●    Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
* ●    Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
* ●    Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
* ●    Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
* ●    Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there's no other logical explanation for doing this
* ●    Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again
* ●    Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the symptoms listed above

Suicidal thoughts have many causes. Most often, suicidal thoughts can occur when a person feels that they are no longer able to cope with an overwhelming situation. This could stem from financial problems, the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a debilitating illness or health condition. If you don't have hope for the future, you may mistakenly think suicide is a solution.
Therefore, it is important to take note of the risk factors that contribute to suicide ideation for early prevention of suicidal thoughts.
One might be at risk of suicide if he/she:

* ●    Attempted suicide before
* ●    Feel hopeless, worthless, agitated, socially isolated or lonely
* ●    Experience a stressful life event, such as the loss of a loved one, military service, a breakup, or financial or legal problems
* ●    Have a substance abuse problem — alcohol and drug abuse can worsen thoughts of suicide and make you feel reckless or impulsive enough to act on your thoughts
* ●    Have an underlying psychiatric disorder, such as major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or bipolar disorder
* ●    Have a family history of mental disorders, substance abuse, suicide, or violence, including physical or sexual abuse
* ●    Have a medical condition that can be linked to depression and suicidal thinking, such as chronic disease, chronic pain or terminal illness

If you're feeling suicidal or having urges to attempt suicide, do not hesitate to reach out for help now - Seek support from mental health or counselling professionals as soon as possible. Remember that while it may seem as if these suicidal thoughts and feelings will never end, this is never a permanent condition. You WILL feel better again.  

Do not be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. Always remember that you are not alone in this! :)
Feel free to contact us for a chat whenever you need or if you have any questions!

Written by: Lynn       Editted by: Alex
We all feel sad from time to time, whether it is from scoring badly on an exam or losing your job. It is normal to feel sad and express this emotion as a response to negative situations. However, if you notice that this feeling of sadness never seems to fade away and lingers for a long period of time, it might possibly be a symptom of depression. Knowing how to spot depression is important in helping to protect ourselves and our loved ones. With early detection, you will be readier to fight the blues.

Before we delve into the symptoms of depression, it is important for us to understand exactly what depression is and how it affects us if we have it. Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a common and serious mood disorder. Those who suffer from depression will experience persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and lose interest in activities that they once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home. To be diagnosed with clinical depression, these symptoms must be present for at least two weeks and must represent a change in your previous level of functioning.

So, how do we identify the signs of depression to get help for ourselves or others?
Here are some symptoms of depression, which can vary from mild to severe:

* ●    Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
* ●    Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
* ●    Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
* ●    Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
* ●    Loss of energy or increased fatigue
* ●    Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) OR slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
* ●    Feeling worthless or guilty
* ●    Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
* ●    Thoughts of death or suicide

Certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiency can also mimic symptoms of depression hence it is important to rule out these general medical causes. It is important to seek a professional to get a proper diagnosis, and not self-diagnose.

If you have been constantly feeling low and notice yourself experiencing some or all of the symptoms above, it is appropriate to seek professional medical help, especially so if thoughts of death or suicide are present. It is important not to self-diagnose or self-manage without speaking to a medical professional first. Don't be embarrassed if you need to seek help for depression. Always remember that you are worth it! We all need a helping hand at times and there is nothing wrong in seeking or asking for help.

If you know of anyone who is experiencing these symptoms or if you think you may be suffering from depression, feel free to email us any questions or contact us to book a session. Remember, you’re not alone in this!