In many cases, friends and families affected by a suicide loss (often called "suicide loss survivors") are left in the dark. Too often the feelings of shame and stigma prevent them from talking openly.a time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic. We use this month to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal idealization to treatment services.

Suicide is when a person directs violence at themselves in order to end their lives. Suicide attempts are among people who suffer from mental health problems, that most likely are not being treated. In 2018, America reported over 48,000 suicides and over 1.4 million suicide attempts, while Israel reports around 3,000 suicides a year. However when dealing with a situation that has such disastrous results, even 1 becomes too many.

People who suffer from anxiety and depression often have ups and downs. Sometimes they feel happy and sometimes they feel very low. What most people don't realize is that when people with mental health disorders have their low moments, it feels as though they are trapped in a life that is dark and many people feel as though they have no escape. This can cause suicidal thoughts.

There are usually warning signs for people who are feeling suicidal, however, they often go unnoticed. The common symptoms are:

• Withdrawal from social contact and wanting to be alone.
• Having emotional swings – one day feeling great and another day feeling deeply sad.
• Feeling trapped and hopeless
• Changing normal routine (eating or sleeping patterns)

The Coronavirus has caused many people to feel anxious and depressed. In fact, there has been an increase of 26% of people who are feeling mental health symptoms. This rise in mental health symptoms is due to the concerns about getting Coronavirus, being quarantined, and financial worries and the increase is very concerning.

Many people have been feeling very alone and isolated because of the Coronavirus. People are not engaging in social activities, people are stuck at home all day, and people are scared about the global pandemic. This has also caused many people with pre-existing anxiety and depression to feel worse about their conditions.

This week is the national suicide prevention week, during this week people all over the world are encouraging people who feel alone and sad to seek out help and prevent themselves from doing something that they will regret.

Here are ways to help people who are feeling suicidal:

1. Do you have a friend who appears to be feeling depressed? Reach out and connect with them. Studies show that connection is the first step towards seeking help so don't underestimate the importance of reaching out to a friend and reminding them that there are people in this world who care about them and find them important.
2. If you are concerned about someone – SPEAK UP about it and get them the help that they need! Sometimes people who are feeling like there is no way out – need someone to talk to. When talking to someone who is feeling suicidal it is important to be yourself, listen, be sympathetic, and offer hope!
3. Offer help and support – in some cases people are feeling down temporarily and they need to be reminded that this will pass. However, sometimes people need professional help!

If you think you need help- call the national suicide hotline:

• Israel: 1201
• USA: 1-800-273-8255

For a complete list of resources– here is a link to all of the hotlines that are available. undefined

The most important thing to understand is that depression is like a dark cloud, when you're stuck under it it can feel like the world is ending and that there is no escape! But – every cloud passes and when the sun comes out – the light will shine brighter than before! We hope that this week will be very meaningful for you. If you know someone who is going through a hard time – reach out to them and let them know that you are here for them no matter what!