Signs of Depression
While everyone can suffer at times with feelings of sadness, low-energy, adjustment or disappointment, some individuals can have prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness or despair. This could be a sign of depression. Other signs can include, apathy, disinterest in anything and numbness. It can also affect appetite, sleep, motivation, concentration and social interactions. Depression is highly treatable and mental health counseling can provide relief of symptoms and can teach tools for coping with stress and managing emotions.
Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety can be a normal part of life. Everyone can experience worry associated with an overwhelming challenge or fear such as a big exam. It can take on many forms such as nervousness, jitteriness, shallow breathing and increased heart rate. Prolonged symptoms can include difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, increased stress eating, inability to concentrate and social isolation.
In small amounts, mild anxiety can be motivating, alerting our minds that we have tasks to take care of. Overwhelming anxiety can become problematic when it interferes with a person’s ability to carry out daily tasks, pursue goals or connect with other people.
Anxiety disorders can take on many forms. Sometimes people develop obsessive thinking, compulsive behaviors, phobias or panicky thoughts or feelings. Mental Health counseling that focuses on managing thoughts, learning stress management tools and learning mind and body relaxation techniques can be very effective in helping individuals suffering from anxiety
Concerns about NSSI Non-Suicidal Self Self-Injury
Self-injury happens when an individual intentionally tries to inflict harm to his/her/their bodies through a variety of different means. The behavior is intended to cope with overwhelming and painful emotional feelings but does not involve suicidal intent. The behaviors can include cutting, scratching, burning, pulling out hair and self-bruising. Self-injury is a maladaptive response to a variety of difficult emotions. It can be used to cope with numbness and sadness, to cope with overwhelming emotions and emotional pressure, to protect others from one’s emotional pain, to feel in control over one’s mind and body and to communicate needs.
While NSSI is not considered to involve suicidal intent, it is a sign that an individual is coping with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. With professional treatment that focuses on increasing coping skills, individuals can learn healthier ways to deal with these symptoms.
Warning Signs of Suicidal Risk
Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. These behavior changes or warning signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Below is a list of warning signs and strategies if you have concerns that someone may be suicidal:
Warning Signs of Suicide
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Sleeping to much or too little
- Giving away prized possessions
- Isolating from family and friends
- Withdrawing from activities
- Looking for a way to end one’s life , such as searching online for methods
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Aggression
- Fatigue
- Changes in mood such as depression, anxiety, anger and/or sadness
If you are concerned that someone you care for may be having suicidal feelings it is important to reach out and have an honest conversation with them:
- Talk with them in private
- Listen to their story
- Tell them you care about them
- Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide
- Encourage them to seek professional counseling and mental health treatment
- Avoid debating the value of life, minimizing their problems or giving advice
- If a person says they are considering suicide
- Take the person seriously
- Stay with them
- Help them remove lethal means
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7
- Escort them to mental health services or an emergency room
- Utilized the resources above for crisis situations
Additional Resources:
(Please Note: The Mattituck- Cutchogue Union Free School District does not authorize or recommend any of the therapists or programs listed below. This list is meant to serve as a resource guide for any family who may be in need.)
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Child in Crisis Resources