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How to Cope with Depression
The number one thing psychologists say is most important in coping with depression is forming a strong relationship with someone that can be relied upon. Whether this person is an old friend, teacher, or counselor, the important thing is to just talk to someone and continue talking with them. According to “Dealing with Depression”, a site that focuses on coping with depression and other forms of negative thought-pattern aspects of mental illness, having a personal network amongst trusted loved ones is part of what eventually helps so many people to find their way. The second goal psychologists say to set is to get involved and active in your life. It can be as simple as walking to a coffee shop or driving to pick up groceries for the week. These simple tasks can seem impossible at the time but, little by little, they can become a day by day life line for those dealing with depression and suicide ideation. The most important thing to remember is to think of things that can make you feel positive. I came up with some things that make me feel happy, as an example. When I’m feeling stressed or anxious, I repeat this site’s motto of Breathe, Feel, Hope, and Change. It won’t happen right away, but by doing things that make you happy, eventually it will become easier and more obtainable to feel happy.
What to Look for Online
How can we as a community move forward and take action while online? The first step is remarkably simple. If you see something, say something. If you see comments or posts that threaten, bully, belittle, or humiliate others, you can report it to the site. Most social media sites have a way to report malicious or hurtful commentary. By doing this, you could be the one to break the negative cycle on your favorite site, preventing young adults and teens from feeling alone and isolated. In studies like "The Association of Suicide-Related Twitter use with Suicidal Behavior" and “A Preliminary Examination of the Relationship between Social Networking Interactions Internet Use, and Thwarted Belongingness” psychologists work to study how social media users encounter negativity online and how these interactions impact their mental health. According to the second study, thwarted belongingness and social isolation is keenly felt at a young age, making young adults and teens more susceptible to the negative online torment. Suicide ideation can often be hinted at through social media venues like Twitter or Facebook. The people reaching out online are then ridiculed for their apparent “weakness” and preyed upon by other users. Another thing to be wary of is celebrity suicide, a form of media that romanticizes and then publicizes an individual’s suicide. The first study mentions this kind of correlation between suicide-related news on Twitter and rising suicide numbers. In the study, the way news outlets covered suicides actually affected the suicide rates in Japan. Other things to watch out for include suicide pacts (or femicide-suicides). These are suicides that involve multiple people and are usually done with intimate partners (Media Portrayal of Femicide–Suicides). Suicide pacts are popular because it can take away the lonely aspect of private or personal suicide. It is now considered a form of homicide because it takes coercion from another individual in order for the pact to be effective. The best way to handle any of this is to report the activity immediately and shut down the account altogether.
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How to Help a Loved One
When a loved one is going through something so difficult, it can be hard to know what to do. The best way to help is to let them know that you are there for them no matter what, and that you will continue loving them and caring for them despite all of their sadness. Other ways to help can be as simple as doing their laundry or fixing them their favorite meal, even when you know they won't eat it all. Sometimes it's easing up on them when they're struggling in school or going to the counselor with them. No matter what, the most important thing you can do is to be there through it all, letting them know that your love for them will never waver when they need it most. If they begin talking about suicide, call their counselor immediately. If they do not have a counselor, ask them if they would like to make an appointment with you for one. If the situation involves self-harm or a suicide attempt, take them immediately to emergency care (How To Help Someone With Depression).
Finding a suicide prevention community can be as simple as looking into your local Community Center or looking it up online. The brilliant thing about this community is that there can't be too many subgroups that get involved. Working with major organizations can be an incredible experience (ex: AFSP, Megan Meier Foundation, etc.) but sometimes, small organizations like FSU's To Write Love on Her Arms can have profound impact. All it really takes to get involved is a simple click of a button.
How To Help Someone With Depression
This an excellent video that was created by author Merri Giebrecht, who dealt with her own depression some years ago. Hoping to reach out to the families and friends of victims of depression, Giesbrecht lists things to say and not to say to your loved ones battling depression