Let’s Talk Depression and Suicide- A Continuance 

By Jenna Richardson, MS, LPC and Brandon Schmidt, MA, LMFT-S, PCIT

Many people struggle with the thoughts, “how would I know someone might be suicidal or depressed”, “how do you help someone in that situation”, “what are some ways to support them”. We all struggle with self-doubt that if the situation were to arise, would we know what to do or look for? Here is a brief list of things to look for when questioning if someone is depressed or suicidal:

1. Changes in eating habits : They may be eating more or less than normal. Appetites change when a person is battling depression. You might hear someone say that they just have no appetite or that they have to force themselves to eat. You might also hear someone say that they cannot stop eating because it often brings them comfort.
2. Changes in sleeping patterns: They may be sleeping too little or sleeping a lot. Most people who experience depression will state that it is very hard for them to get out of bed. Their motivation seems to take a plunge when depression enters the picture. This is a hard cycle to break because the more a person experiences a lack of motivation, the less they want to do, which in turn causes more depression, then a deeper lack of motivation, etc. This is called a cycle of depression. It is hard to break but crucial for recovery.
3. Changes in energy and motivation : If you notice someone who regularly works out (i.e. athlete, someone into physical health) start to be irregular with their workout routine, this could be a sign of depression. This goes back to the fact that depression increases a lack of motivation. If a person is struggling with depression, they are not going to “feel up” to working out or other things they may normally do.
4. Withdrawal from relationships: People struggling with depression with often times isolate themselves from those they consider to be closest to them. They will begin to feel like they have no energy to pour into a relationship. Those struggling may also feel like their depression is toon heavy of a burden for those closest to them and will want to protect them from their thoughts.
5. Loss of interest in special activities: Those who are battling depression will often lose interest in activities such as sports, music, writing, school, etc. They will often report that the things that used to make them happy simply don’t anymore. They also might turn from their positive coping skills and either replace them with negative coping skills or a lack of coping skills. This often ties into the lack of motivation and depression cycle talked about earlier.

If you notice a difference in any of these things, it may be time to talk to the person about what is going on and encourage them to seek additional support through a local mental health professional. Yet, even though those dark moments may come, it is important to remind ourselves, and our loved ones, that no matter how dark those moments may get, they are just that, moments. Thus, to help during these dark moments, it is important to prepare during our times of strength.

We face an enemy that hates us and wants nothing more than to disease our lives and relationships with lies. These lies give way to depression and anxiety, they may give way to addiction and abuse, and they may give way to thoughts that say suicide is the only option. In order to defeat these lies, we must replace them with the truth and during times of strength (those times we feel on top of our emotions and we are able to keep depression and those dark thoughts at bay), it is imperative that we fill our hearts and minds with the greatest and everlasting truth of Jesus Christ on a daily basis.

In an article by Lauren Faith, she gives a Christian response to the Netflix series, "13 Reasons Why", with an article titled, "13 Reasons Why Not." In this article, she provides thirteen reasons why a person should not follow through with suicide. Here are those reasons:

1. “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalms 139:14)
2. You are WORTHY.
3. You are made in HIS IMAGE.
4. Your body is a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
5. Your body is NOT YOUR OWN. It belongs to Jesus.
6. You are MORE; More than the lies, whispers, rumors, and loneliness.
7. Death has already BEEN DEFEATED; whatever you are fighting, Jesus already died for it.
8. YOU HAVE A PURPOSE.
9. Ultimately, you aren’t in control, GOD IS.
10. Our God is BIGGER.
11. You can’t give victory to the enemy. Those lies you hear, are solely of the enemy. Don’t let him win.
12. You aren’t alone.
13. God’s plans for you are PROSPEROUS. It's not cliché, it’s the truth. (Jeremiah 29:11)
    
    

If you are considering self-harm or suicide, or are a victim of any of the issues mentioned, I assure you, you aren’t alone and getting help is crucial. You are worth so much more than the lies. Your life is precious." (1)

In the next issue, we will discuss appropriate ways to approach a loved one about their depression in order to gain a better understanding of appropriate measures that might need to be taken.

Jenna is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a clinical member at Transforming Life Counseling Center.

Brandon is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Approved Supervisor in the State of Oklahoma. He is also a Certified Parent-Child Interaction Therapist and a clinical member at Transforming Life Counseling Center

(1) Faith, Lauren. Thirteen Reasons Why Not. https://www.laurenfaithm.com/home/2017/4/18/13-reasons-why-not. April 18, 2017.