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I run support groups for people who suffer from depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, suicide can be the end result of a serious depression that is not successfully treated. The depressed person's brain plays a trick on him or her and says, "Things are hopeless. You will never get better." Being isolated allows this voice to take hold. On the other hand, if people can reach out and talk to others about their painful feelings, they are less likely to act on those feelings. What I tell a suicidal person is "This, too shall pass. Stay alive one day at a time, keep yourself safe, and one morning you will wake up and the nightmare will be over."

posted 4 years, 3 months ago
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