Researchers at the University of York and the Royal College of Music have proposed a new way of harnessing music therapy for the diagnosis, assessment and monitoring of depression: “Phatic behaviors in conversation can include small-talk, interjections and gestures which put the other person at ease and strengthen social bonds and understanding. These behaviors canContinue reading “Researchers suggest new approach to music therapy to help trace change in depression”
Author Archives: Tim Rowden
Witness to suicide
Witnessing a suicide or finding someone after they have died, whether you know the person or not, can be very traumatic. The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) New Hampshire Chapter’s Connect program notes you may have intense feelings and reactions – normal responses to an abnormal event. NAMI notes: “People who have lost aContinue reading “Witness to suicide”
Surviving suicide loss – what to expect
Suicide ripples out through families, social circles and communities. Whether you have lost a loved one, witnessed or found them after, or witnessed the death of another, the trauma of your loss and experience will affect you in different ways. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): “Everyone experiences a suicide loss inContinue reading “Surviving suicide loss – what to expect”
What research tells us about suicide
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a wellspring of information about suicide and resources for prevention. Understanding suicide and its root causes are key to prevention efforts. Here are 10 things learned from research into suicide as compiled by AFSP: 10 THINGS LEARNED FROM RESEARCH You might be interested in other articles in NewsContinue reading “What research tells us about suicide”
Public perceptions about suicide and mental health are changing
A new national public perception survey reveals the majority of adults in the U.S. (94%) see suicide as a preventable public health issue, and 83% say they would be interested in learning how they might be able to play a role in helping someone who may be suicidal. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, theContinue reading “Public perceptions about suicide and mental health are changing”
Can smartphones and Fitbits predict who is suicidal?
A research project in Harvard’s psychology department is attempting to use to use advances in artificial intelligence to do something that has eluded psychiatrists for centuries: predict who is likely to attempt suicide and when that person is likely to attempt it, and then, intervene. It sounds like the stuff of science fiction, and admittedlyContinue reading “Can smartphones and Fitbits predict who is suicidal?”
Do antidepressants increase the risk of suicide?
Most antidepressants are generally safe. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all antidepressants carry black box warnings about the potential risk of increased suicidal thinking and behavior in some children and young adults under the age of 25. According to the Mayo Clinic: “Although antidepressants are more likely to reduce suicide risk inContinue reading “Do antidepressants increase the risk of suicide?”
Suicide, firearms and the case for waiting periods
Half of all suicides in the U.S. are by firearm. Nearly two-thirds of all firearms-arms related deaths in the U.S. are suicides Yet, only four states and the District of Columbia require any kind of waiting period for the purchase a gun.
What suicide loss survivors need most
When you’ve lost someone to suicide, one of the hurdles in recovery is the people who sympathize but don’t know what to say or do. Worse are those who don’t say anything for fear that mentioning your loved one’s name will hurt you. (Pro tip: Not saying their name hurts more.)
To find out what suicide loss survivors needed after their loved one died (and what they still need in the days, weeks, months and years to follow), the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention asked its community to share one way to support someone who’s lost a loved one to suicide.
If you think someone is thinking about suicide
If someone you know is in crisis, being there and truly listening to them is a huge step toward helping them. Here are concrete steps you can take to make sure they get the help they need.
The Grief Project 