Depression..............suicide...........

[Maximus]

Hey Guys, Well the week started off crap with a friend killing himself and I found out tonight that my sisters father in law tried last night to kill himself by stabbing himself in the stomach. He will be ok but is now spending time in Larundel.

Just letting people know, that in these tough times, there are other ways to cope and people you can talk to.

Places like Reach Out help out heaps and telling someone how you feel is the hardest part but the first step to recovery.

Here is a website if people are thinking about it.

http://reachout.com.au/default.asp?ti=1861...CFQogegod3HrsRA

It can happen to anyone. Friends, Neighbours and family.

I know this is a serious thread but thought I would start it incase anyone needs help but is afraid to ask.

[RHR]

Mental health is the biggest problem these days. Its unfortunate cause its a silent killer.

[Chich]

I have to agree with you here maximus, so sorry to hear about your loss and near loss.... I too have lost someone who I was extremely close with to the same fate, and I must say, it is traumatic for all involved... my thoughts are with the family and friends of your friend and again, so sorry to hear...

[NB4C]

I can understand how you feel Maximus. I think almost everyone has been affected directly or indirectly by mental health. Back in high school, a friend of mine had really dark thoughts about self harm. Fortunately he got over it within a year, it was a major relief for us all.

Edited 14/04/09 12:35 PM by NB4C

[ZAP]

There is never a good reason to top yourself. Even if you think that nothing is going right and everything is wrong with the world, it will only get better.

Worry only about things that you can control, do not worry about the things you have no control over, like the economy, wars in Iraq, etc.

Concerntrate on working on one problem at a time, make a list and just tick off each problem as you solve them. If it is a major problem, then work out a plan with family and friends.

Start with the easiest or quickest problems first. Also learn to say NO to people that always want help, and offer little in return.

While I have never had someone close die by their own hand, I have talked several people in to getting professional help, when they were having bad thoughts.

[smicky]

100% behind all above with this one - goes without saying.

Have been affected by friends, and family from such matters, as well as personally.

Anyone that feels unsure, or unsettled (to a serious degree), talking to people about such things its not a waste, stupid, or weak.

But if you do seek professional help, make sure the professional is right for your needs. I have seen and heard of to many people seeking help, yet it unfortunately happens to be wrong for there needs.

Talk to your GP and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

[MRDOSE]

so sorry to hear it mate... its a horrible thing for anyone to have to go through. everyday I wake up, put my uniform n go to my job at a mental health hospital, not a easy environment to work in, see and hear some horrible things, breaks me down some times and can really get to me, dealing with my own personal demons and gettin thru some tough times I find it easy to connect with other people going thru the same thing I did, last week a kid my age I had formed a close bond with decided the best option for him was to end it, he was only just discharged.. once again so sorry to hear mate, my thoughts are with you.

Edited 14/04/09 02:51 PM by MRDOSE

[tinyplums]

big supporter of beyond blue.

I have in the past few months known a number of people give into stress and depression, from what appears to be largely economically driven which is most upsetting.

if you have any concerns of someone close to you, talk to a professional about how to approch the situation, dont be affriad to seek help on giving help. its a very difficult topic to discuss with those suffering. but do not avoid the issue hoping that someone else closer to them will be there to support them as it is often not the case.

it is heartbreaking to hear of people say I wanted to have a heart to heart with them but didnt no how and now its too late.

depression for those that are suffering from it is often a life long battle as relapse can easily be triggered.

my thoughts are with anyone who has lost someone they know or even know of, remember nothing in life is more important than those around you.

[mitchbek]

Yeh agreed I work in the Mental Health industry and you really can not understand sometimes how it can get so bad so fast for them I have had 2 friends close to me end there lives and with work many more.

For those interested there is a program called assist training they do Suicide first aid, I know it sounds strange but it will give you the insight need to help someone in that serious stage of depression and feeling suicidal also what to look for in the person feeling that way it is a really good course takes 2 days cost about $200 dollars well worth it.

I am in East Gippsland Victoria and the people that offer the training are Gippslakes Community Health 03 51520052, (John Island) is the guys name I hope this many help same of you in the same boat at least you will know what to look for in friends and family members who are feeling suicidal and how best to assist them.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Suicide is a terrible terrible event for all involved. I have a family member that struggles with depression and constant thoughts of suicide. The roller coaster of anguish,guilt and sorrow it puts friends and family through is almost unbearable.

When I was 17 I attempted to save the life of a friend that committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with a pistol. Unfortunatly he didn't die instantly and struggled on for a couple of days in hospital.The panic of Bandaging his head and waiting for the ambulance to arrive is something I will never ever forget.

I still harbour resentment towards towards him for the effect the event had upon me and the other people involved.

Luke