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GV-NA-GI-TLV-GE-I
2009-09-30, 11:12 AM
Moderators, just like domestic abuse information, I am pleading with you to make this a sticky of information for those souls that might come across this information top and central. It just might save a life.

http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=crisisinfo&gclid=CKX3iszcmZ0CFQtN5QodPw6p1w

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Coping with a Crisis

If you need immediate help or if you are having thoughts of death or suicide, call
1-800-273-TALK or if you need immediate assistance call 911
or go to a hospital emergency room.


What if I am feeling suicidal?

Remember:
Suicidal thoughts are temporary. Suicide is permanent. Don’t give in to suicidal thoughts— you can overcome them.
Your feelings of hopelessness are not the truth. When you feel this way, it’s your illness talking— your mind is lying to you. Remind yourself that suicidal thoughts are not reality.
If you are thinking of suicide, it is important to recognize these thoughts for what they are: expressions of a treatable medical illness. They are not true and they are not your fault. Don’t let fear, shame or embarrassment stand in the way of communication with your physician, therapist, family, or friends; tell someone right away.
Tell a trusted family member, friend, or other support person, someone you can talk with honestly. Try not to be alone when you feel this way. This may mean sitting quietly with a family member or friend, going to a support group or going to a hospital.
Get help. Tell your health care professional. Suicidal thinking can be treated. When suicidal thoughts occur, they are your signal that, more than ever, you need help from a professional.
Know that you can get through this. Promise yourself you will hold on for another day, hour, minute, or whatever you can manage.
If you are feeling "out of control", it's important to seek help immediately---even if you are not having suicidal thoughts.


How can I be prepared for a crisis?

Often, crises happen without warning, and the best thing you can do to prepare yourself is to make a crisis-plan list for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This list should be shared with everyone you choose. Briefly describe the kind of help you (or your loved one) would like to receive if you have severe depressive or manic symptoms.
Include:


Doctor(s)’ name(s) and contact information
Contact information of support group and other trusted friends/family members
Other health problems and medications
Allergies to/intolerance of any medication
Insurance or Medicaid information and preferred treatment facilities
Things that might trigger an episode, such as life events, travel, physical illness or work stress
Warning signs such as talking very fast, paranoia, lack of sleep, slowed down movement, excessive alcohol or drug use
Things people can say that are calming and reassuring
Things people should do in crisis such as take away car keys and lock up anything dangerous such as weapons and medications
Things emergency staff can do, such as explain things, talk slowly, observe personal space, or write things
Reasons life is worthwhile and recovery is important

How should I talk to a person in crisis?



Stay calm. Talk slowly and use reassuring tones.
Realize you may have trouble communicating with your loved one. Ask simple questions. Repeat them if necessary, using the same words each time.
Don’t take your loved one’s actions or hurtful words personally.
Say, “I’m here. I care. I want to help. How can I help you?”
Don’t say, “Snap out of it,” “Get over it,” or “Stop acting crazy.”
Don’t handle the crisis alone. Call family, friends, neighbors, people from your place of worship or people from a local support group to help you.
Don’t threaten to call 911 unless you intend to. When you call 911, police and/or an ambulance are likely to come to your house. This may make your loved one more upset, so use 911 only when you or someone else is in immediate danger.

naijamerican
2009-09-30, 11:23 AM
Thank you for posting this. Depression is a serious, prevalent issue among Black women that is still stigmatized and not taken seriously.

Cali*Rocks
2009-09-30, 12:47 PM
Thank you for posting this. Depression is a serious, prevalent issue among Black women that is still stigmatized and not taken seriously.

Thank you!! I STILL have to explain to people that I'm not just in a bad mood. I have recently started taking ST. John's Wort and it has helped me tremendously.

NoHairDrama4Me
2009-09-30, 12:56 PM
True indeed, my father is a retired Pharmacist, He has said many times that white women have no problem with asking for medications and getting them prescribed to treat depression. We as black women, sometime I think we try to take on too much as single mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, and friends. Sometimes life is so overwhelming. He also said that he rarely filled prescriptions for black women with depression. He has said many times, that it is nothing wrong with asking for and taking the medications, but it is a stigma in our community. Black women are percieved as strong women and strong willed women..sometimes it just not enough...

It can knock the wind out of you and leave you down for a count. Please if it is too hard, speak to someone, its nothing WRONG with talking to ANYONE about your problems. Sometimes we just need to talk and a non-judmental shoulder to lean on.

After I had my daughter 9 years ago I had a fight with postpartum depression it came to visit and wanted to stay. I was really depressed from a terrible pregnancy and a trifling (ex) baby daddy. However I told my mother one morning that I just felt sad, I don't know why, I feel sad, but I do. My mother and dad and family did stay around and talked me out of those feelings , I prayed and prayed , wasn't suicidal, but it could have led to that. Thank God for friends and family. I did take meds for about 6 months..

Please seek help!!!

Blessings

NoHairDrama4Me
2009-09-30, 01:06 PM
Thanks for the post GN...you have helped someone today more than you know:)

NeeSee
2009-09-30, 01:20 PM
Thank you!! I STILL have to explain to people that I'm not just in a bad mood. I have recently started taking ST. John's Wort and it has helped me tremendously.

If you don't mind me asking, how much are you taking?

Shimmie
2009-09-30, 01:23 PM
Thank you, GV. Excellent Post:

With all of the despair in this world, with the economy, family struggles, job losses, and just life itself, depression is paramount with so many precious lives.

I posted the following in another thread which may be of help; I sure hope so:

I think it would be good to have a confidential contact list (privy only to administration), where in the event of an emergency we can contact a member who's in trouble.

Or perhaps in our profile one of the following:

1. The name of another member (whom we are close to personally) who can be a contact liason. Example: In case of emergency contact the following: N & W and ________.

2. or a Personal Email address:

Sometimes the member may not be logged in to see our posts or PM's of concern.

This may be the Internet, but it's a REAL world, where there are real hearts and lives behind the screen names. I'm blessed to have some special members here who know me personally and know how to contact me outside of this forum.

I don't like to 'worry' about anyone's well being. I care and when I see someone in trouble, I do worry about them and want to have a way of knowing that they are okay and if I can help in some way.

We may be geographically distant but our hearts are still knitted with care for one another. :giveheart:

Cali*Rocks
2009-09-30, 01:27 PM
If you don't mind me asking, how much are you taking?

I don't mind at all :yep: I take three 300 mg capsules twice a day. So 1800 mg a day. Along with 2000 mg of flax seed oil. My mood has lifted tremendously. I was initially thought to be manic-depressive but have since discovered that it is more likely major depression. I have to stay on top of it always.

lennet93
2009-10-01, 01:21 PM
This is a great thread! It's so easy to feel alone and fall into the thoughts of suicide, I've been there:sad:

Almaz
2009-10-01, 01:24 PM
THANKS COUS> As you know I deal with this a lot at the hospital and I wish Black women as a whole would be more open to dealing with this sort of thing.

Most of the time I get

I will PRAY about we don't need no shrink. I really don't have this problems with others and it breaks my heart

shunemite
2009-10-19, 09:11 PM
Thank you for posting this. I've been taking Lexapro for about 2(?) years now. I did some counseling too and it helped me tremendously. Anyone in trouble should take the time to ask for help, and family members shouldn't discourage people from getting help if it's needed.

Precious_P
2009-11-14, 01:57 PM
Thanks for this thread. Despression and suicide are very misunderstood. Those that are going through this need to know that they are not alone in their battles and don't need to be ashamed to ask for help. It's better to find solutions to enjoy each day rather than suffer silently. If anyone knows of someone suffereing from depression please understand that they cannot just snap out of it. It is not that easy. Help them with getting help.