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 Help
The 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.html

Warning Signs
The 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 Depression
Signs 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



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