Don't be Casual about Mental Health

What would you do if you just found out that a person you heard about has deep depression, and has thoughts of ending their life? This is exactly what happened with us today.  One of my daughters just got a phone call from a friend stating that she knows of a  a mother of young children who has just text-ed her to say goodbye, as she is in a "dark place". Immediately, my daughter  came to me to find out what we can do.  We all have to be diligent to educate ourselves and prepare ourselves for such an event. I have to interject here, that I personally do not advocate for any single support/help group on the list below. I believe that a supportive, family and community is of essence, and a person must seek out what does help, and be free to change to what may be even a better source of help. we cannot be casual about mental illness. Parents must be willing to learn, and advocate, and ask many, many questions and ponder the answers given.

The very first thing one would need to do is to see their family doctor. The doctor may recommend that they go see a psychiatrist first before any talk of medication occurs. Sometimes the family may not wish to leave sight of their beloved for weeks on end, and supervise them continually.

I heard at one of the meetings, that if a person who is in a crisis does not want to phone the crisis line, then you should do this in their place. For instance, if you are a mother and your son is in a dark place, then call the crisis line, and give them your son's phone number so they can call him.
The crisis line is 1-800-SUICIDE. The best time to call is when the individual has not escalated into a high state of despair. Sometimes there may be only one counselor on the phone, and several less experienced people who simply have a list of things to say, or ask.

 The Recovery International phone number is 1-866-221-0302 or on the internet go to
 https://www.lowselfhelpsystems.org/meetings/find-a-meeting.asp
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Low#Recovery_International

The other number to call is 1- 800-784-2433. There are people there who are trained to assist people during a crisis. The South Fraser Crisis line number is 604-951-8855. Mercy Ministries is another great resource and solution to some, but requires a long term commitment.

 "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." We are looking for a city...whose Builder and Maker is God". Heb 11. Our hope and prayer is that there is "Not One More Suicide". With God's help we can be instruments of His hand, and reach those in despair.