1 Million Suicide Attempts

According to a survey done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration about 8.4 million Americans had suicidal thoughts in the past year and 2.2 million made plans to kill themselves. One million people attempted suicide.  These numbers are staggering and yet point to the fact that a significant number of Americans are depressed and anxious,  with reports ranging from 8-25%.

We also know that many people are living with or caring for family members who are seriously depressed or mentally ill, which also creates more depression and anxiety.  On top of that many people are stressed from caretaking elderly relatives which also puts them at risk for depression.  

If you're feeling stressed, depressed or overwhelmed, it's important to know that you're not alone.  Many people are also challenged by these feelings and they can be worse after the let down of the holidays.

What You Can Do:

• Talk to someone - Lighten your load, by sharing with a friend, family member, health care provider, trusted clergy or other professional. Just talking and hearing yourself can sometimes help with perspective and help you sort out your feelings.
• Exercise - Especially when you feel really down and have little to know energy, exercise and the release of endorphins will improve your mood and provide more energy to gain fresh perspective.  I know many  people with overwhelming challenges from their day to day lives who say that exercise is the only way they can maintain their sanity.  For me, my irritability index is only manageable because I'm moving heaven  and earth to get to the YMCA for a work out. Between full-time work, being a mom, wife and now care-taking my elderly in-laws, if I didn't work out, I wouldn't be able to take care of anyone, especially myself.
• Get outside - Even if it's cold outside, take a walk, see nature. So many of us are spending 7-8-10 hours/day looking at a computer screen that we're completely out of touch with the natural world. There's a reason that Central Park in New York is so popular.  We need more than just a window to nature to help us be more ourselves.

I wish that I had a magic wand and that just waving it would help clear out all of the depression and anxiety, but the truth is that if depression and anxiety is pervasive in your life and interfering with your relationships, ability to work and your enjoyment, consider seeing a therapist.  If you find yourself self-medicating with alcohol, shopping, gambling, drugs, sex or even any activity that seems a little obsessive, then you may need help finding other ways to cope.