REDUCING DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE RISK DURING COVID

As we enter the second wave of this crisis and depression and suicide rates are at an all time high for young people and adults, these are just a few suggestions on what you can do to make things a little easier during these difficult times...

Disclaimer: Before undertaking any dietary or lifestyle changes, please consult with your physician for appropriateness and additional guidance. The information here is just that...information for educational purposes only, not to provide medical advice or treatment...

HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS (you may find some are borrowed from our blog on "Dealing with Anxiety":

1. Take it one day at a time...

Everyone is affected by the COVID pandemic, though it is very disruptive - taking things one day at a time can help. This is definitely a time for "compartmentalization" meaning don't think about five years from now, or where you are in your finances - understand that this time is temporary and is already coming to an end. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, so focus on the good things of the moment and read on for more advice.

2. Monitor your health and that of others...

Constant worry leads to frustration, frustration to anger, anger to fear, fear to depression, depression to hopelessness. Make sure to assign yourself a health number from 1-10 everyday, to help: 1 is your normal healthy self before any illness/sadness. 10 is extremely ill or having suicidal thoughts to the point of needing help or hospitalization. Give yourself a number between 1 and 10 and track that number daily. If you are getting worse - for example you go from a 2 to a 7 - seek help immediately. If you know of any family members with past suicidal attempts, they are the most at risk of suicide and should be looked after closely - call them and check in on them. If you know loved ones are having financial difficulties, try to help them out, offer them a side job helping you with your garage or something you know they can do regardless of age. Nothing perks a kid up more than offering a paid opportunity that will help them on their way to buying that Playstation 5 they have their eyes on. Give your loved ones a purpose if you have to.

3. Learn something new...

The brain requires constant stimulation, not like you think with television or your phone, in fact the most stimulating things for your brain is when it learns a new skill. This is very important when it comes to reducing depression, learn a new skill today. Sites like skillshare.com or udemy.com offer cheap, affordable courses to get kids and adults engaged in something new. Learn coding, learn how to draw, learn how to build 3D models, or build video games or all of the above. Kids and adults can really get into that and it will distract them from the current crisis while giving them valuable life affirming skills and allow them to see some good out of this hard time. Doesn't matter what you sign them up for, get them started on a new skill today. This will allow their brain to experience pleasure in a different way and will reduce/ward off depressive tendencies and beliefs.

4. Do something fun and exercise...

Most of us are stuck at home and can easily slide into a rut of sorts, make sure you take time to do fun things and get some air. Most of these suggestions will allow you to keep your distance while "living a little". Take nature walks. If that's too far away, considering adding new habits like meditating, yoga, running, riding a bike - help is only a Youtube video away. Start a family running or racing event. The good news is these will make you feel better and don't readily involve people.

5. Keep in touch using technology...

You can still reach out to people via social media and video chat - use ZOOM to reach out and consider having a dinner party with friends with some of the more popular video party apps. It will improve your mood, just plan it like a boys or girls night out, everyone can gather wear silly clothes, or drink wine and talk about their favorite wine and give recommendations. Try to elevate your social calls by adding a little flare

6. Avoid watching the news all the time...

It's very hard to turn off the news feeds, but it may be important for your sanity. Instead, plan a certain time to check in on events, maybe only stick with a certain news media personality to glean it all from. No matter what - don't spend hours in front of the TV watching the news which is skewed negative, not always but often enough it is designed to bring out negative feelings which we tend to be addicted to. TV isn’t entirely bad in controlled, regular intervals (yes, you have permission to watch Netflix hehe).

Disclaimer: Before undertaking any dietary or lifestyle changes, please consult with your physician for appropriateness and additional guidance. The information here is just that...information for educational purposes only, not to provide medical advice or treatment...