Depression and suicide for ex-BKs

There are cases where ex-Raja Yogis, and those closest to them, have attempted or committed suicide. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing suicidal thoughts, severe mood swings or depression ; seek professional help now.

ex-BK forum

Honour Roll--suicide thread on Brahmakumaris.info [1]

RIP

Dedicated to, and in memory of, ex-BKs Ranjana Patel and her brother Sharad, Maria Sloane and others, who took their own lives before we found them or they found us.

Depression Resources

• UK Depression Page: http://www.sane.org.uk/public_html/About_Mental_Illness/Depression.shtm

Suicide Prevention Resources

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: http://www.theovernight.org/
• http://www.save.org/ This is on save.org: In an emergency Call 1-800--SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

In your respected country seek out Mental Health Professionals or call your local operator and ask for a suicide hot line. Additional links under other resources.

Symptoms of Depression

One of the most recognized symptoms of depression is a profound feeling of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness. You may be surprised to learn that people with depression often experience physical symptoms too.

In general, if you've been experiencing some combination of the following emotional or physical symptoms for more than two weeks, and it clearly interferes with your life, discuss your concerns with your doctor:

Emotional

• Sadness throughout the day, nearly every day
• Loss of interest in or enjoyment of your favorite activities
• Feelings of emptiness or hopelessness
• Feeling stressed, nervous, or overwhelmed
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt
• Irritability or restlessness
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Physical

• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Change in appetite or weight
• Aches and pains
• Headache
• Back pain
• Digestive problems
• Dizziness

Don't let this list of symptoms scare you. Treatments and therapies are available that can help ease and even eliminate the emotional and physical symptoms of depression.

Causes of Depression

There's no simple explanation for why people experience depression. It's a complex disease that may develop for a variety of reasons. It can affect anyone at any age, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or income level.

Some people become depressed after a major life change — the death of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of a job or a move. Even seemingly happy events, such as becoming a parent or getting married, can trigger depression. Or, even a smaller change can sometimes trigger depression.

Some risk factors for depression include:

• A family history of depression
• Death or illness of a loved one
• Major illness or death of a loved one
• Stressful conflicts, such as fights with family members or disputes at work
• Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
• Major life events, such as moving, graduating from college, changing jobs, getting married or divorced,ending a relationship, becoming a new parent,retiring or leaving/post religious vocation/New Religious Movement/Cult.
• Financial difficulties

Be Aware of the Warning Signs of Suicide:

Full Page can be found @: http://www.healthyplace.com/COMMUNITIES/Depression/related/suicide.asp There is no typical suicide victim. It happens to young and old, rich and poor. Fortunately there are some common warning signs of suicide which, when acted upon, can save lives. Here are some signs to look for:

A suicidal person might be suicidal if he or she:

• Talks about committing suicide
• Has trouble eating or sleeping
• Experiences drastic changes in behavior
• Withdraws from friends and/or social activities
• Loses interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
• Prepares for death by making out a will and final arrangements
• Gives away prized possessions
• Has attempted suicide before
• Takes unnecessary risks
• Has had recent severe losses
• Is preoccupied with death and dying
• Loses interest in their personal appearance
• Increases their use of alcohol or drugs

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms: Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention immediately. Get Help with out delay!

Other Resources

• HealthyPlace.com is a Chat, Forum, News and Info site: http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/depression/definition.asp
• Australian Depression Page: http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Symptoms_of_Depression
• Canadian Gov Site:http://www.mentalhealth.com/bookah/p44-dq.html
• http://www.nami.org/ NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI has become the nation’s voice on mental illness, a national organization including NAMI organizations in every state and in over 1100 local communities across the country who join together to meet the NAMI mission through advocacy, research, support, and education.
• NAMI Page on Depression: http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?section=Search&Template=Search/SearchDisplay.cfm
• Suicide Prevention Action Network USA: http://www.spanusa.org/
• WebMD Page on Depression: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/106/108338.htm
• JAMA Patient Page: Suicide http://www.medem.com/search/default.cfm

(American Medical Association) in Spanish:http://www.suicidology.org/associations/1045/files/AAS%20Suicide%20Fact%20Sheet%20-%20Understanding%20and%20Helping%20the%20Suicidal%20Person%20-%20SPANIS.pdf

Suicide Forum - A support forum for people in crisis

http://www.suicideforum.com

Befrienders Worldwide

Support for people feeling depressed or suicidal:"We work worldwide to provide emotional support, and reduce suicide. We listen to people who are in distress. We don't judge them or tell them what to do - we listen." http://www.befrienders.org