78 Chapter 4: Stress Management and Sleep • Persistent fatigue • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or hopelessness • Inability to sleep or sleeping too much • Irritability • Restlessness • Binge eating or loss of appetite • Headaches • Digestive problems • Suicidal thoughts and/or attempts If you are severely depressed, or know someone who is, getting help from a mental health professional is essential. Fortunately, treatment for depression can be highly effective (Fahey et al., 2011). Unrelenting suffering, personal failure, and/or failed dreams often lead to anxiety, depression, and/or suicide (Powlison, 2010). However, Scripture provides us with hope (Psalm 31, Psalm 32, Psalm 33:18-19, Romans 8:15-35). It is important to remember that our lives matter to God, that he cares for us, and that we can bring our hopelessness to him (Psalm 86:7; 1 Peter 1:3-5). What to Do if Someone is Suicidal If you are severely depressed, or know someone who is, getting expert help from a mental health professional is essential. Fortunately, treatment for depression can be highly effective (Fahey et al., 2011). However, if chronic depression is left unchecked, it can lead to thoughts or attempts of suicide. Provided below are the recommended steps to take if someone you know is contemplating suicide: • Take suicidal talk seriously • Show genuine concern • Urge the individual to seek professional help If you are suicidal, or know someone who is, it is important to know you are not alone and that help is available. If the threat of suicide is immediate, seek help immediately (e.g., call 911 or campus safety at (937) 766-7992 or 999 from a campus phone). Additionally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24/7 at 988 and provides free and confidential talk with trained counselors. Additional resources are available on their website (suicidepreventionlifeline.org).
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