DEPRESSION IS REAL

A few days ago, I was online, and I came across an article about an American teenager named Billy that committed suicide in 2014. What made His case so sad was that he posted hints about his suicide on social media, but no one knew that he would later commit suicide. Not even his family members knew he was depressed. It is due to that, that I will be sharing with you a few warning signs of depression and how you can help a depressed family member in order to prevent suicide.
WARNING SIGNS OF DEPRESSION:
 Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
 Loss of interest in daily activities.
 Appetite or weight changes.
 Sleep changes.
 Anger or irritability
 Loss of energy
 Self-loathing
 Reckless behavior.
 Concentration problems.
 Unexplained aches and pains.

NOW THAT WE HAVE SEEN THE WARNING SIGNS WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

 DO NOT TAKE SUICIDE TALKS LIGHTLY
 Be there to listen
 Know when it’s a good time to talk.
 Take their feelings seriously
 Become informed.
 Encourage them to get help.
 Let them know about support services.
 Talk about suicide and safety planning.
 Back down if they aren’t ready
 Respond to emergencies/ know emergency contact details

NUMBERS TO KNOW:

• SOUTH AFRICAN DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY GROUP
011 234 4837
• SUICIDE TOLL FREE LINE
0800 567567
• EMERGENCY - AMBULANCE (10177)
• EMERGENCY - CELL PHONE (112)
• EMERGENCY - NATIONAL (10111)