By Moonshine Ink Staff
By SARA McCLARIE and SUNEE ZRNO The holidays can be joyous and fun-filled times with family and friends, but they also tend to be a stressful time of year. The pressure of attending multiple holiday events, traveling, and shopping can put a strain on all of us. For those who have lost a friend or family member, the holidays may bring up feelings of loss and sadness. No matter how much we look forward to the holidays, they can be tough on anyone; just realizing that this is a normal feeling is helpful in managing your wellness. It is perfectly OK, and even healthy, to express feelings of sadness when remembering someone who has passed. Acknowledge your feelings and share memories of that loved one; just let yourself feel the emotions you are feeling. Some of us are lucky to have not experienced loss, but the holidays can still be a difficult time. The stress of planning and orchestrating a holiday event or meal can be enough to wreck the excitement and joy of the holidays for many. Here are some ways to cope with the stress that accompanies the holidays. Plan Ahead: Make lists for the grocery store and gifts far in advance. By setting aside specific days and times for shopping, preparing, crafting, etc., you can ease the stress caused by the last-minute runs to the store. Practice Acts of Kindness: Helping others during the holidays provides opportunities to be selfless and provide for others. Not only is helping others an important part of our community, but it also allows you to experience the mood boost that accompanies giving freely. Many local organizations have “giving trees” where those in need have their Christmas wishlist hanging on an ornament. Enlist your family in helping out another family and create a new tradition. Be Realistic: The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Enjoy them for what they are and don’t create an added pressure of having the perfect holiday. If old traditions have run their course, let go and create new traditions to enjoy the moment with loved ones. It’s OK to Say No: The holiday season often means multiple invitations to parties and celebrations and other commitments. Think ahead of what’s realistic within your already busy schedule and learn to say no. It will feel great to take some control over your schedule and free up some time in this busy season. Pretend to Be a Kid Again: What traditions or activities did you love as a child? Re-create those traditions and share with friends or family. Laugh: Laughter is a great form of stress release. When you laugh, it feels good, and you lighten your load mentally. Let a little laughter help your mood and spirit. Practice Moderation: Overeating can make us feel sluggish and exhausted, and excessive alcohol can have many negative consequences including guilt and danger, both of which can exacerbate stress. With all that is going on during the holidays, it’s even more important to maintain good physical and mental health. It is OK to partake in holiday festivities, but keep things in check and don’t overdo it. Also, make sure to get plenty of sleep and exercise. Use “Time-Outs” When Needed: If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a time-out and go for a walk or reading. Anticipate that there may be stressful situations, and give yourself permission to walk away and have some time alone. Reach Out: If you feel lonely or isolated during the holidays, you are not alone. Seek support from friends, family, or professionals. Remember loneliness is not the same as being alone. One of your greatest gifts to yourself is recognizing the need for help. Be honest with the people you love and tell them you need support. Sara McClarie is the outreach facilitator for The Tahoe Truckee Suicide Prevention Task Force. Sunee Zrno, LMFT, is the bereavement coordinator at Tahoe Forest Hospital Sarah McClaire
Special to the Sun-Bonanza TAHOE-TRUCKEE, Calif. — Is happiness at the other end of your fork? Many people self-medicate with food, such as chocolate and coffee, but is there any real merit to the link between food and its effects on mood? Emerging research from the fields of nutrition as well as the field of neurosciences show links between diet and mood. By changing what we eat, we can boost our brain’s health, stabilize our mood, and improve our focus. Eating well and eating for mental health are one in the same; this does not mean a life of only broccoli and kale! Eating for health is more than eating a few vegetables here and there. Eating well includes foods that are rich in nutrients: vitamins, magnesium, fiber, iron and fatty acids. There are certain foods that can stimulate certain parts of brain functioning. For example, serotonin (a “happy hormone”) found in chocolate allows for a calming feeling or acts a joy stimulant. The next time you reach for chocolate, consider if you are craving chocolate or if you are craving a happy mood. Remember, there are many pathways to happiness that don’t include chocolate. FOOD FOR MOOD: Tomatoes contain mood enhancers, such as folate, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B6, all needed by your brain to produce important mood-regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin, and dopamine (the pleasure compound). Garlic is a great source of chromium, which influences the regulation of serotonin, the brain’s happiness chemical. A recent study found fish oil to be as effective as Prozac for treating depression. You can boost your dopamine (a happiness booster) through food such as bananas, almonds, and avocados. FOOD FOR ENERGY Nuts are nature’s multivitamins. They contain a wealth of trace minerals, macronutrients, and vitamins, including magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, calcium, omega-3s, vitamin E, folate, and other B vitamins. Green, leafy vegetables, the darker the better, are among the most nutrient-dense foods we eat. Folate, which protects us from depression, originates in the leaves of plants. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Butter is rich in fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Iron in your diet is important for your mental and physical health, and to keep up your energy levels. MOOD DOOMERS (FOODS TO AVOID): White sugar. Fluctuations in blood sugar from processed sugar can cause mood swings, low energy, and depression. Instead of processed sugar, opt for foods sweetened naturally such as fruits or foods containing molasses, honey, or real maple syrup. Processed foods. The more ingredients you can’t pronounce in a product, the more likely it is that you shouldn’t eat it. Many additives in processed foods put extra stress on the body. When we pay attention to what we put into our bodies, and when, we are focusing on what is important for healthy brain functioning. Eat well for mental health and wellness! Sarah McClarie is the facilitator for the Tahoe Truckee Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition. Contact her at [email protected] or by calling 530-582-2560 Sarah McClarie
Special to the Tribune TAHOE-TRUCKEE, Calif. — Self-harm is the act of deliberately harming your own body. It is a way of expressing and dealing with emotional pain. Being in a pattern of self-harm and destruction of one’s body can make suicide all the more likely by demonstrating an individual’s inability to cope in healthy ways with psychological pain. While there is a momentary sense of release and calm experienced often by those that self-harm, it is usually followed by notable shame and guilt, and the return of the untreated emotions that led to the initial self-harm. Due to the impulsive nature of self-harm, it is likely to be linked to a mental health disorder, such as depression, or an eating disorder. It is not one single thing that provokes self-harm or self-injury, rather, it is usually a warning of emotional distress that could be caused by a number of things. Through self-harm, the individual may be attempting to: - Self-punish for perceived fault or guilt. - Communicate depression to the outside world - Express internal feelings. - Feel a sense of control over life situations. - Reduce anxiety and provide a sense of relief. Often, one who self-harms may attempt to hide the injuries from others. Some signs and symptoms include: - Scars from cuts or burns. - Claiming to have frequent accidents. - Behavioral and emotional instability, impulsive actions. - Statements of hopelessness. - Wearing long sleeves or long pants even in hot weather. Anyone can be at risk of inflicting self-injury. There are certain risk factors that may increase those risks: - Females are at greater risk of self-harm. - Teenagers and young adults are at the highest risk as they face peer pressure and conflicts with parents and other authority figures. - Those that already experience mental health issues or personality disorders. - Individuals who have experienced neglect, sexual abuse, or a tumultuous family life. - Having friends that self-harm increases the likelihood of personal self-injury. While it can be frightening to discover a loved one is self-harming, finding the appropriate treatment and getting help can teach healthy coping strategies and help to prevent suicide. Reach out for help if you or someone you love is self-harming. Any form of self-injury is a cry for help, and a warning sign of larger issues that need to be addressed. It can be scary to discover instances of self-harm. It is OK to let someone know his or her self-injury frightens you. It is also OK to acknowledge if something is beyond your abilities and you need outside help. Expressing concern is important, but it is equally as important to gently discuss the topic and not to scold or yell. Avoiding expressions of anger will aid in maintaining an open dialogue when discussing a difficult situation. If you or a loved one is experiencing thoughts of suicide or severe emotional distress, get help immediately. Take all discussion of suicide seriously. If you think an individual is in immediate danger, do not leave him or her alone. Call 911. If it is safe to do so, remove any tools that could be used for self-harm. Sarah McClarie is the facilitator for the Tahoe Truckee Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition. Contact her at [email protected] or by calling 530-582-2560 Preventing suicide at Lake Tahoe: It’s important to use words that promote positive mental health9/3/2015
Sarah McClarie
Special to the Sun TAHOE-TRUCKEE, Calif. — Are you familiar with that little voice in your head that says, “I can’t do this” or “this is impossible”? Many of us have been colored by our thought patterns since childhood, and the way in which we talk to ourselves can be very negative and limiting. The good news is that in a learned behavior, there is an opportunity to reverse patterns and be kinder to ourself. We need to use words that positively impact our stress levels, and in turn our mental health. Positive thinking doesn’t mean we ignore life’s less than pleasant situations. Rather it means we approach them in a more positive and productive way. We often hear the term “self-talk” associated with positive thinking. Self-talk is the constant stream of thoughts running through our mind, the unspoken thoughts. Those thoughts can be positive or negative. The things we think to ourselves each and every day impact our view of self, our outlook on life, and the way we handle our stressors that arise. If those thoughts are mostly negative than our outlook on life is pessimistic. There are many ways to adapt our negative thinking to become positive thinking. Self-awareness and the desire to create a new habit are two important ways in which to shift thinking. Effective stress management has been linked to mental health benefits. One key component of stress management is positive thinking and positive self-talk. Positive self-talk also provides other benefits, such as: - Lower rates of depression - Lower levels of stress - Better coping skills during times of stress - Better physical and mental well-being The health benefits of positive self-talk continue to be researched. One theory is that the ability to adapt to stressors in a positive way and limit the effects of stress on the body will increase longevity and mental well-being. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it and try to rationalize it in a positive way. By working towards less self-criticism and higher compassion toward self, we can positively shift our thoughts to a more accepting attitude and increase our overall well-being. When our thoughts are more positive, we are better able to handle the everyday stressors of life in a constructive way. Sarah McClarie is the facilitator for the Tahoe Truckee Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition. Contact her at [email protected] or by calling 530-582-2560. Sarah McClarie
Special to the Bonanza TAHOE-TRUCKEE, Calif. — As parents and caretakers, we are constantly looking after our children’s physical health. Keeping a child healthy seems fairly simple: regular exercise, plenty of rest, visits to the doctor’s office, and preparing balanced, nutritious meals. But are we taking into consideration their mental health as well? Like physical health, it is important that we pay attention to the basics of mental health in our children. We must give it thought, care, and attention. By doing so, we will promote our children’s mental and emotional well-being, and can address potential mental health problems early, through intervention. By helping build a strong foundation of a positive self-esteem so that a child feels secure, can relate to others, and can grow. There are many ways to achieve this, such as providing a child with a safe home, showing them love and respect, and providing them the opportunity to express emotions and feelings. Having trusting relationships with adults and friends is also very important. Teach children the importance of healthy emotions and model your behaviors to match what you are expecting of them. It is essential to keep in mind that there is a biological component to mental health. Even in a healthy, well-adjusted home, a child may experience mental health issues. Acknowledging this may be frightening for parents but just like physical illness, treating mental health problems early may help prevent more serious illnesses from developing in the future. Consulting a professional is a safer step. You know your child’s emotional demeanor best, and when you see noticeable changes, alert your healthcare provider. Some examples of behavior to look out for include: - Social isolation - Self-destructiveness – self or with others - Feelings of anxiety or constant worry - Feelings of excessive anger - Feelings of hopelessness - Frequent nightmares - Avoiding others and wanting to be alone - Inability to concentrate or sit still - Hurting other people or things - Talking about suicide or death - Major changes in sleeping or eating patterns - Losing interest in previous activities - Recklessness - Sudden mood changes By paying attention to mental health in our youth, we are teaching them that it matters. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Sarah McClarie is the facilitator for the Tahoe Truckee Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition. Contact her at [email protected] or by calling 530-582-2560 Sarah McClaire
Special to the Sun TAHOE-TRUCKEE, Calif. — Each day we become more aware of the importance of emotional intelligence, or social emotional learning, to our children, our educators, our parents and everyone. It’s not just important for better grades—it’s needed to create better citizens, families, and personal relationships. Most people understand the critical nature of paying attention to the development of a whole child, and this includes character education. Raising a self-aware child is critical; a self-aware child is a child who knows how to make responsible decisions and how to manage emotions, and he or she recognizes the opportunity to resolve conflict in a non-violent manner. This isn’t just another thing on a parental to-do list, this is something that begins at home and is a constant practice. By creating a trustful and respectful environment, a child is surrounded by support; by modeling behavior that is emotionally intelligent, parents are able to take a step toward developing and nurturing an emotionally intelligent child. Behavior at home is one of the first steps in nurturing an emotionally intelligent child. Beyond the home, children are further taught emotional intelligence at school through character education programs such as Second Step. In grades K-8 throughout the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, Second Step is integrated throughout all activities. Children are taught from a young age to respect others, vocalize frustrations, and consider alternative solutions to problems. These lessons are taught not only in the classroom but also through interactions with hall monitors, recess duty teachers, and even bus drivers. By constantly engaging our children, we are helping lay the foundation for them to become socially responsible and self-aware citizens. It has been proven that emotionally intelligent individuals live a more fulfilling life, so it’s critical that we provide our children now with the skills to recognize emotions in themselves and others and to feel comfortable in reaching out for support when needed. By teaching children how to cope with the inevitable stressors of life, we are providing them the tools and skills to develop into responsible adults. **NURTURING AN EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT CHILD** Here are some steps you can take at home to nurture an emotionally intelligent child, as well as some additional resources you can use to learn more about social and emotional learning: **Be a Good Listener**: This is a core competency skill and one that so many of us lack. By modeling intentional listening and encouraging our children to do the same we are providing emotional support. **Nurture your Child’s Self-Esteem**: Show your appreciation to your child. A child does better in school and in relationships when they experience a high sense of self-worth. **Take Advantage of Support Services**: Encourage your child to reach out to trusted adults, such as the school counselor or teacher. Your child may not always want to come to you with an issue and encouraging these connections will allow your child to seek support in times of need. **Model Behaviors**: It is important to always think of the impact of our actions on our children. By modeling the behavior we wish to see, we are encouraging our children to develop those behaviors as well. This is essential. For example, displaying empathy to our child’s problems further encourages our children to do the same with their friends and with us. By encouraging social and emotional learning we are teaching our youth that it is OK to express emotions and to reach out for support. Through this encouragement we have the opportunity to close the gap in those situations where children feel there is no support, and instead we create a web of support whether it be through ourselves or other trusted individuals. Supporting the emotional intelligence and growth of our children is a process and takes effort, but is well worth the results. Sarah McClarie is the facilitator for the Tahoe Truckee Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition. Contact her at [email protected] or by calling 530-582-2560. Dr. Amy Vail
Special to the Bonanza TAHOE-TRUCKEE, Calif. — For many people, life can be complicated, isolating, and overwhelming. Add to this puberty, geographic isolation, mood swings, and social media pressures and the results are often turbulent. Many people wonder how they will survive. Robert Frost once said, “The best way out is through.” Everyone on the planet has tough times. Everyone on the planet goes through situations they do not know how they will survive. Everyone asks himself or herself at some point, “What is the point of all of this suffering and how will I make it through this situation?” Many people are familiar with the Victor Frankl quote, “Whatever does not kill me makes me stronger.” There is truth in these words, however, it is not until someone has made it through the suffering that he or she can look back and reflect, “I made it through!” and ask themselves, “What did I learn from that painful experience?” For those of us in the helping professions, we work to help people through the darkest of times, through the moments and hours and weeks and months, sometimes years, when hope is gone and the light at the end of the tunnel is not visible. We keep helping when people do not believe that there is any hope that things will change for the better. Why do we helpers do what we do? We helpers do what we do because we believe that there is hope, and we hold fast to the belief that where there is hope, there is the potential for growth and the potential for positive change. We believe that where there is hope, there is the potential for life, for light, and for love. When people are suffering, they often suffer alone. Knowing that there are people out there who care and who notice the suffering can be enough to decrease the deep sense of loneliness that engulfs the sufferer. People often say, “Who am I to help?” or “What do I have to offer?” If you or someone you know is in a deep and dark place with steep walls, offer them some hope. Let them know you notice and that you care. Often, when people see others suffering they do not know what to do, and out of fear of doing or saying the wrong thing, they freeze and do nothing. As a result, the suffering increases. Instead, take the challenge, and let the people you recognize as struggling know that you see and acknowledge them and that you recognize their suffering and offer them some compassion and help. Compassion is the recognition of suffering, and the desire to do something to alleviate suffering. When we as members of society hold compassion as one of the most important qualities a person can develop, and as a culture work to foster the development of compassion in our members, we will be on the way creating a society built out of the moral fabric that will uplift the masses and eliminate unnecessary suffering. Even if you don’t know what to do, just ask, “How can I help you?” If you or someone you know is struggling, look to the helpers in your world. Look to the caring people in the world who want to help you. Look to those who recognize your suffering, and still have hope that there is a way out of the darkness. Turn to the people who can guide you towards the light. For it is always darkest before the dawn, but the sun does rise in the morning, and April showers bring May flowers. Perseverance can seem and be difficult, but there are those who want to help and who can help. So when times are difficult, look to the helpers. If you or someone you know needs help, please ask for help. There are people in your life you can turn to. There are people who want to help and can help. Reach out. Reach out and take the hand that can help to lift you up. Sorrow and pain and feelings of hopelessness do not have to last forever. Dr. Amy Vail, M.A., Psy.D., is a member of the Tahoe Truckee Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition and a Clinical Psychologist with a private practice in Olympic Valley. Sarah McClarie
Special to the Sun TAHOE-TRUCKEE, Calif. — Why is it that over 60 percent of people with known mental health disorders never seek help from a professional? Stigma, fear, neglect, and discrimination are just some of the reasons those with known disorders do not seek care or treatment. Part of the problem, according to experts, is a lack of sympathy and knowledge about mental health ailments and struggles. Another statistic claims that 25 percent of people with mental health issues need others to be compassionate towards them. This is a sad statistic, especially considering that approximately 25 percent of our population has experienced a form of mental illness. Knowing that mental health disorders and mental illnesses are out of our control, what can we do to better address the issue and allow those struggling with these issues to feel comfortable reaching out for support? We wouldn’t criticize someone’s control over their health when it comes to cancer or the flu, so why do we criticize and create such stigmas around mental illness? To adults, childhood can seem like a carefree time, but youth still experience stress. Experts have cited that part of the problem when it comes to criticizing someone’s mental health is a lack of empathy and knowledge about the ailments. Specifically when it comes to youth, we claim “it’s just a phase” or “they’ll grow out of it.” The truth is mental health issues will not go away if they are ignored. They will become worse. Mental health issues are real and can affect people at any age. Youth that do not receive treatment or support for mental illness can end up having problems in school, with friends, with addictions, and even with the law. The earlier we are able to support someone in their mental wellness through treatment, the easier it will be to break the cycle of stigma and fear around mental health. When we talk about these issues with our youth we normalize them and make them feel safe in discussing these issues that are experienced by a quarter of our population. Even with friends and family around, someone experiencing emotional pain or suicidal thoughts can feel isolated. Recently, NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) released startling figures regarding mental illness and youth. Did you know that only 50 percent of youth with mental illness will receive treatment? That youth age 14 and up are 50 percent more likely to drop out of school? And more startling, that 90 percent of youth that commit suicide have an underlying mental illness? These statistics are frightening to read but more importantly they can serve to remind us how scary it is to let mental health disorders remain untreated. Parents—talk to your kids. Intervening and letting them know you are there for support and are not afraid to hear their struggles can be the support needed to allow your child to receive medical help. It’s OK to be nervous and intimidated to have this conversation. What really matters is that you have it; that you talk to your kids and that you support them. READ MORE: Please visit suicideispreventable.org to learn more about the signs, and the words, and how to reach out. Talking to your children about suicide will not put the idea in their head but will rather show them you are willing to go there with them and have that scary talk, that you are there to support them. Sarah McClarie is the facilitator for the Tahoe Truckee Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition. Contact her at [email protected] or by calling 530-582-2560 Sarah McClarie
Special to the Bonzana TAHOE-TRUCKEE, Calif. — To adults, childhood can seem like a carefree time, but youths still experience stress. Things like school and social lives can at times create pressures that can feel overwhelming to adolescents. As a parent, you cannot protect your kids from stress but you can help them develop healthy ways to cope with stress and solve everyday issues. Youth deal with stress in both healthy and unhealthy ways. While they may not initiate a conversation about what is bothering them, they do want their parents to reach out and help them cope with their problems. It is not always easy for parents to know what to do for their children if they are feeling stressed. Here are a few ideas: NOTICE OUT LOUD Tell them when you notice that something is bothering them. Put a name to the feeling you think they are experiencing. This should not sound like an accusation; it is just a casual observation that you are interested in hearing more about your child’s emotions. Be sympathetic and show you care and want to understand. For example, instead of saying “What happened next? You’re still mad about that?” try a more open response such as “It sounds like you’re still upset about what happened at lunch.” LISTEN TO YOUR CHILD Ask them to talk to you about what is wrong. Listen attentively and calmly—with interest, patience, openness, and caring. Avoid any urge to judge, lecture, or say what you think they should have done. The idea is to let their concerns and emotions be heard. COMMENT BRIEFLY Comment briefly on the feelings you think your child was experiencing. For example, you might say, “that must have been upsetting,” “I understand why you felt mad,” or “that must have seemed unfair to you.” READ MORE: Even with friends and family around, someone experiencing emotional pain or suicidal thoughts can feel isolated. This demonstrates that you have empathy and understand what they felt, why, and that you care. Feeling heard and understood helps them feel supported in times of stress. PUT A LABEL ON IT Many adolescents do not have words yet for their emotions. If your child seems angry or sad, use those specific words to help them learn to identify those emotions by name. Putting feelings into words will help kids communicate and develop emotional awareness—the ability to recognize their personal emotional state. JUST BE THERE Kids do not always feel like talking about what is bothering them. That is OK—be patient. Let your child know you will be there. Even when kids do not want to talk, they usually do not want their parents to leave them alone. You can help your child feel better simply by just being there—keeping him company, spending time together. If you notice your child is having a bad day and does not want to talk, go for a walk with them, bake cookies, or go for a car ride. Initiate something you can do together. Studies have shown that driving or walking with your teen are effective ways to help you both open up. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOCAL SUPPORT North Tahoe High, Truckee High, and Sierra High have Wellness Centers on campus providing a resource for peer support groups, referrals to outside support, or simply a relaxing place to hang out. “What is Up?” Wellness Checks are available to any high school students. These anonymous checkups provide the opportunity to check in with teens and open the line of communication around mental health and wellness. Parents cannot solve every problem their adolescent has; however, by teaching healthy coping strategies you will prepare your kids to manage the stresses that come in the future. READ MORE: Please visit suicideispreventable.org to learn more about the signs, find the words, and how to reach out. Just as important as recognizing the inability to solve every problem is the ability to ask for help in parenting when needed. How a child feels should always outweigh how one is viewed as a parent. The best thing a parent can do for their youth is to be less in commitment to getting their child’s emotional needs met. For more information on the “What is Up?” Wellness free and anonymous checkups visit http://www.whatsupwellness.comorhttp://www.ttusd.org.Forfurtherresourcesaboutchildbehavior, health, and development visit http://www.kidshealth.org. —Sarah McClarie is the facilitator for the Tahoe Truckee Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition. Contact her at [email protected] or by calling 530-582-2560. Sarah McClarie
Special to the Sun TAHOE-TRUCKEE, Calif. — Even with friends and family around, someone experiencing emotional pain or suicidal thoughts can feel isolated. You may sense something is wrong, but not realize how serious it is. Warning signs — like withdrawal, depression or hopelessness — though subtle, may be present. Trust your instincts. Find the words and reach out. By recognizing these signs, knowing how to start a conversation and where to turn for help, you have the power to make a difference — the power to save a life. This simple message is the main premise of California’s Know the Signs Campaign, a campaign initiated in 2011 to reduce instances of suicide and connect individuals with local resources. The Know The Signs Campaign is part of a statewide effort to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and promote the mental health and wellness of students. It’s intended to educate individuals on how to help prevent suicide by encouraging them to know suicide-warning signs, find the words to offer help, and reach out to local resources. The Tahoe Truckee Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition has chosen this educational campaign as a main focus for prevention strategies. By empowering individuals to recognize the warning signs of suicide, our community is more effective at connecting the individuals who are experiencing depression or mental illness with local resources. While children may not be the best at verbally expressing emotions, there are common symptoms of depression that present themselves, allowing gatekeepers in a child’s life to recognize emotional concerns. Some common symptoms include: loss of energy, insomnia, fatigue, persistent aches or pains, feelings of worthlessness, feelings of helplessness, restlessness, drug abuse, and excessive alcohol consumption. Once signs of depression or suicidal ideation are recognized, it can be difficult to begin the conversation. Knowing how to start a conversation is critical, and addressing the issue rather than avoiding it can save a life. By appropriately approaching the conversation and providing support, we can connect those in need with local resources. Please visit suicideispreventable.org to learn more about the signs, find the words, and how to reach out. To reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 1-800-273-8255 and in a medical emergency always dial 911. Sarah McClarie is the facilitator for the Tahoe Truckee Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition. Contact her at [email protected] or by calling 530-582-2560 |
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