Are you feeling hopeless or at
your wits end? Do you feel severely depressed or suicidal?
Dystonia can be a difficult and
painful disorder to live with and managing the day-to-day challenges can seem
overwhelming and impossible. You need to know that help is available and that
you are not alone. You should not be embarrassed to admit that you need help
coping and managing.
Sources of HelpThe Dystonia Medical Research
Foundation is not a crisis intervention center. We do not have formal training
in counseling people who are considering suicide. If you are depressed to the
point of thinking about suicide, we strongly suggest that you:
- Call 1.800.SUICIDE (800.784.2433)
or 800.273.TALK (800.273.8255). If outside the US, look up crisis centers or distress centers in your phone
book.
- Go to the nearest hospital emergency room
- Contact your family doctor or
dystonia specialist
- Contact a private therapist*
- Call a friend, family member, or
neighbor
- Contact a religious leader or
advisor
*For help locating a mental health
professional, a place to start is the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance:
http://www.dbsalliance.org/Resources/Referral.htmlWarning SignsThe warning
sides of suicide may include:
- Talking about
suicide
- Suicide
plans and attempts
- Statements
about feeling trapped or hopeless
- Rage,
uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
- Acting
recklessly
- Preoccupation
with death
- Feelings
that there is no reason for living, no purpose in life
- Loss of
interest in things and people that once brought pleasure
- Making
arrangements or giving away belongings
- Drug or
alcohol abuse
- Dramatic
mood changes, including sudden calmness, happiness
Symptoms of DepressionSigns
that a person may be depressed include:
- Persistent
“empty” mood
- Feeling
hopeless, helpless, worthless, pessimistic, and/or guilty
- Substance
abuse
- Disturbance
in eating and sleepy patterns
- Irritability,
increased crying, anxiety or panic attacks
- Difficulty
concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Persistent
physical symptoms or pains that do not respond to treatment
