I’m a Life Coach, not a psychotherapist, therapist, doctor or psychologist.   Some people who contact me show signs of clinical depression or suicide.   I want to do what’s best for each person and that may be to refer them on to a medical doctor or therapist.

I do this job because I care for people who have low self-esteem.  If you have signs of mental health issues, including clinical depression or suicide, I have listed organisations below who can care, support and help you .

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If you or someone you know is in immediate danger because of thoughts of suicide

Please call 999 now if you are in the UK.

Please call 911 now if you are in the US.

If you are somewhere else, please call your local emergency number.

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Extract from “Depression and Suicide, by Kevin Caruso, Suicide.org”

Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.

You are not depressed when you feel sad for a day or two; you are depressed when you experience a prolonged period of sadness that interferes with your ability to function. Depression occurs because of an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. It is an illness. And it is highly treatable.

Unfortunately, many people do not receive treatment for depression, and thus are at risk for suicide.

If you or have some of these symptoms below, please seek help immediately:

• Feeling sad for two or more weeks
• Feeling lethargic — feeling like you have no energy
• Unable to concentrate
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Eating too much or too little
• Feeling worthless
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling helpless
• Feeling negative or pessimistic
• Losing interest in activities that you previously enjoyed
• Crying frequently
• Withdrawing from others
• Neglecting personal appearance
• Feeling angry
• Feeling guilty
• Unable to think clearly
• Unable to make decisions

Basically, if “the blues” do not go away after two weeks, you probably have depression. And you need to get treatment. So please make an appointment with a medical doctor and a therapist so you may be properly evaluated. Many people do not think of going to a medical doctor when they are depressed, but it is an important step because there could be a physical problem beside the chemical imbalance that is causing the depression. And please get into therapy. If the therapist believes that you need medication he or she can refer you to someone.

Get help now.

Get treatment now.

Kevin Caruso

Suicide.org

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If I am assured that the right safeguards are in place with a client who at one point showed depression or suicidal signs, I will consider working with that person.  Safeguards may include:

• on-going treatment by a medical doctor or therapist;
• that professional considers that life coaching may be appropriate and useful;
• the prospective client considers that life coaching may be appropriate and useful;
• a no suicide contract exists;
• I believe the prospective client is being honest and open with the medical doctor (or the therapist) and me;
• I am aware of no further causes for concern.

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Useful organisations

In the United Kingdom

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
tel. 01455 883 316 web: www.bacp.co.uk
For details of local practitioners

Depression Alliance
tel. 0845 123 2320 web: www.depressionalliance.org
For anyone affected by depression

Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide)
helpline: 08000 68 41 41 web: www.papyrus-uk.org
Committed to the prevention of young suicide

Samaritans

Chris, PO Box 9090, Stirling FK8 2SA
helpline: 08457 90 90 90 in the UK and Northern Ireland
email: jo@samaritans.org web: www.samaritans.org
24-hour emotional support
1850 60 90 90 in the Republic of Ireland

In the United States

Suicide is NEVER the answer,

getting help is the answer.

If you are suicidal, have attempted suicide,

or are a suicide survivor,

you will find help, hope, comfort, understanding,

support, love, and extensive resources here.

I Love You.

And I will never stop fighting for you,

Kevin Caruso

Suicide.org

Founder, Executive Director, Editor-in-Chief

Senior Writer, Forum Administrator

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger

because of thoughts of suicide

Please call 911 now

If you are not in the U.S., please call your local emergency number.

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)