Leaving The Valley

COVID-19 has turned our world upside down. It’s okay to feel anxious, scared, or overwhelmed right now. Kimi and Sam talk about ways to manage during this hardship by acknowledging the reality, working on acceptance, focusing on the positive, and suggesting strategies for coping with the down days.

Can substance abuse really increase the risk for suicide? Yes. When under the influence of drugs or alcohol, our decision making is impaired, and people are not known for their great judgement when drunk or high. Often substance abuse can increase feelings of depression which may increase suicidal thoughts. Additionally, those who have struggled with giving up substance use may feel like it is hopeless or that they are a burden. These feelings are a part of the decent into “The Valley of Suicide” We’ll discuss if the type of substances makes any difference in suicidality and how to know if you may have a substance abuse problem as well as how treatment can help.

One of the most common misconceptions we hear about suicide is that you shouldn't ask about it. Many people fear that asking someone in distress if they have thought about killing themselves will plant the idea in that person’s head. The truth is that asking is a GOOD idea! It offers an often lifesaving connection to someone who feels they have run out of options, but how you ask and how you react matters.

Young people are amongst the most vulnerable to thoughts of suicide. Suicide is the number two leading cause of death for people ages 10-34. However, parents often fail to recognize the danger their children may be in until it is too late. In this episode, we’ll explore what might cause a young person to become suicidal. We’ll discuss how violence and sadness are pretty typical experiences for young people. We’ll also look at how the internet, social media, and cyberbullying may add to the stresses of childhood. Lastly, we’ll discuss how a lack of emotional tools and impulsivity may contribute to thoughts of suicide in young people.

Depression is a word that gets tossed around so lightly that sometimes we forget what it really means or the danger it poses. We’re providing a crash course in depression and its symptoms. Does it look like crying a lot? What about anxiety or even anger? Can it look different from men to women? Do these things make you more vulnerable to suicide? Why?