Suicide is a global public health concern that affects individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. Recognizing the warning signs of suicide and knowing how to respond with care and support can be crucial in saving lives. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the signs of suicidal thoughts in oneself or others, and highlight the role of therapy in suicide prevention.

Introduction

World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on September 10, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of addressing suicide as a societal issue. Every year, millions of lives are lost to suicide worldwide, making it a critical public health concern. To effectively combat this crisis, it is imperative to break the stigma surrounding mental health and foster open, compassionate conversations. By doing so, we can create a supportive environment that encourages individuals to seek help and ultimately save lives.

It’s easy for us to become “stuck” in a funk during the winter months. Our days are shorter, the temperatures are cooler, and there’s nothing left to do outdoors. The potential for loneliness to creep in is much higher during this time of year, and the temptation to lounge around eating comfort food increases. Sure, these may make us feel better in the moment, but these behaviors can lead to a deeper spiral of depression and anxiety if we don’t take action to combat them.

Cabin fever is a common issue this time of year, however, it doesn't have to be an issue if we plan in advance. Instead of slowing down, it’s important to stay active during the winter months—not only physically, but also mentally. One way we can do this is by planning out activities to keep us busy. Even if the options are limited, there are still plenty of safe activities like 'socially-distant Zoom dinner parties, online classes, outdoor activities that adhere to safety regulations, or even just catching up on old streaming shows.

There’s a common saying that goes “Music heals the soul”, and many of us can attest to the truth of those words. Music has the power to spark emotion and bring back memories. It can bring people together and give those who suffer from mental health issues a reprieve from everyday life. This is why so many people use music to keep them going in tough times and why mental health professionals often recommend embedded music therapies into mental health treatment programs.

Music can be a powerful tool for healing and good mental health, if used correctly. Its melodic tones can bring a sense of peace and relaxation, and its rhythm can help give people a sense of comfort and liberation. It can also be used to lift moods and motivation and can be used as a calming influence, helping people to regulate their emotions and reactions.

Anxiety is a common problem. When it occurs, it can be hard to manage. Everyone responds differently to anxiety, so it’s important to find the best way to handle it. One technique is to create a home gym and use it to reduce stress and increase overall wellbeing.

Creating a home gym should include more than just gym equipment. You need to consider the environment of your space, the types of physical activity that work best for you and how to make it a regular practice. By taking the time to create a comprehensive plan, you’ll be able to create an efficient home gym that can ease your anxiety.

Taking time for yourself is an important but often underappreciated part of life. This is known as "Me Time", and it’s necessary for having a holistic lifestyle. What exactly is 'Me Time'? It’s a defined period of time during the day or week where you make sure to set aside what can often be an overwhelming set of responsibilities (whether work-related or not) and focus on yourself - your health, your happiness, and your well-being. 'Me Time' is, by definition, time spent doing something enjoyable and restorative for yourself. It isn’t about numbing out or hiding behind a screen; it’s about carving out a space to nurture yourself and reconnect with who you are and what you need.