Monday, November 24, 2014

Preventing suicide with talk?

I am sure everyone has known someone that has been down or clinically depressed in their lifetime. 
Many times you may suggest that person "talk to someone" or get those emotions out. 
But what about those that are suffering from thoughts of suicide or those who have actually tried to die by suicide?
A Danish study that followed participants for 20 years found that "those who received therapy were 27 percent less likely to attempt suicide again" after their first attempt. 

This is very good news because though many of us know that talking about what is troubling us 
can help, this is the first study of its kind to really look into how talk therapy (counseling) really
impacts the rate of further suicide attempts. 

If you know someone who is suicidal please don't just suggest that they go talk to someone. 
Offer yourself and offer this number 1-800-273-8255 or website for further help. 

I personally have known someone that attempted suicide, and have had someone close to me
die by suicide. 
Knowing now there is proof that therapy reduces the likelihood of another attempt makes me feel
much better about my chosen career and being able to help others, not just clients with this in the 
future. 

Tell me have you been impacted by depression or suicide?



Edited March 25, 2022, to correct outdated language in regard to suicide. 

Thursday, November 13, 2014

What to do about stress

Stress is a normal part of life that we all expereince. 

Many studies and literature I have read tell us that stress is what makes use get up and get to work and do other things we MUST do. At times though this stress can be overwhelming leading to poor judgment and distress. There are many things that we can do to manage stress (exercise, freeze and not doing anything, overeat, sleep, talk to a friend or therapist). Today I want to introduce a healthy option you may not have tried. Deep breathing.

Yes I know you are breathing as we speak, but when we don't feel our best we are likely not breathing our best either. Read here for more tips and watch here for a 13 minute class that will lead you through it. 

Please let me know how this works for you and share what is stressing you out at the moment.