Tag: Depression

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Warning Signs of Suicide and How To Help

Cherry and the Hoot

For those unaware, September is the month of many things, but Suicide Prevention Awareness is the main focus of the Cherry and the Hoot blog. As many find suicide to be a challenging topic of discussion, I believe more people should talk about it to help save the life of others potentially. In addition, bringing awareness allows us to possibly identify warning signs and know what to do during a time of crisis for ourselves or someone else. 

Below I have included a list of warning signs, what to do, and what to avoid should you encounter one suffering from suicidal ideations or thoughts:

Warning Signs of Suicide

Talk

If a person talks about:

  • Killing themselves
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Having no reason to live
  • Being a burden to others
  • Feeling trapped
  • Unbearable pain

Behavior

If a person displays one or more of the following behaviors:

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
  • Withdrawing from activities
  • Isolating from family and friends
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Aggression
  • Fatigue

Mood

If a person displays one or more of the following moods:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of interest
  • Irritability
  • Humiliation/Shame
  • Agitation/Anger
  • Relief/Sudden Improvement

How To Help

  • Talk in private and ask directly if suicidal
  • Remove any weapons such as firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used
  • Listen and acknowledge their feelings
  • Tell them you care about them
  • Encourage them to seek treatment or reach out to their doctor
  • Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text 988
  • Escort to mental health services or emergency room for treatment
  • Follow up after the crisis

What Not To Do

  • Avoid debating the value of life
  • Avoid minimizing their problems
  • Avoid giving unwanted advice
  • Avoid leaving someone who is “high risk” alone
  • Avoid being judgemental

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please get in touch with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline by calling 1-800-273-8255 or texting 988. 

Always remember, you are NOT alone!

Much Love Hooters,

Cherry and the Hoot

Sources: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; National Institute for Mental Health

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What is Meant For You Will Be For You: Relationships & Careers

Cherry and the Hoot

Sometimes in our lives, we tend to force or try to accept the things that are not nor were they ever meant for us. For example, we try to force or settle for unhappy or toxic relationships, friendships, and situationships with those who don’t deserve our energy, time, or presence. We force jobs or careers we once were excited about because of the exclusive title, great pay, inclusive benefits, or maybe even the relaxed working schedule. Perhaps some don’t have the grand title, salary, or benefits and would like them; instead, they have to settle for something else for now. Some of us settle for or force many other aspects of life when we shouldn’t. We do these things, but in reality, we are beyond unhappy with these situations and even ourselves in some cases. 

Previously, I had found myself dwelling negatively on the current status of my life; relationship status, job, living environment, mental health experiences, lack of motivation within my talents and goals, and everything else. But, if I’m being truthful, I believe it had much to do with my age and feeling too old to accomplish certain things- like birthing children because I’ve always been indecisive or even considering returning to school. I know, it sounds ridiculous because I’m only 30 years old, which is young to most, but it’s old to me- for whatever reason! So, recently, I had to stop for a minute, take a deep breath, and intensely reflect on my life and its present state. I had to reconsider all of the good I’m grateful for now versus the things I have yet to achieve. I had to understand and accept that some things weren’t ready to happen for me at the moment. 

Realizing that it isn’t my time yet in some areas of life is something I’m learning to come to grips with. Sure, it’s hard to accept, but at the same time- it is what it is. Or at least, that is what I try to tell myself to keep my mind off of it. All I can do is continue to aim for success and hope for the best outcome. Everything we think we want or desire is not always meant for us, nor should we force it. The one person we felt we loved for numerous years isn’t always meant for us. However, it is acceptable to love them from a distance. Likewise, the career we once received a degree, diploma, or certificate for is probably not meant for us. Therefore, seeking something else within our current interests would be ideal. It is simply that simple, and that is okay. Change is sometimes inevitable, and until we understand that entirely, we will feel like we’ve failed ourselves. Still, we shouldn’t because we haven’t failed- it just isn’t meant to be yet.

If you’ve recently experienced a bad break-up, heal yourself fully before bringing someone else into your hurt. Love yourself to the fullest and understand your needs and their totality. Know your worth and never allow someone to try to convince you otherwise because you, my friend, are worthy. Your dream significant other you deserve will find you when the timing is right. If that current job with an excellent title, great pay, and benefits isn’t for you, then find something else that better fits your life or personality and leave. Maybe some of us don’t have the grand title, salary, or benefits- be patient, and the desired position you deserve will become available when you’re least expected. No one should ever feel miserable at the workplace, especially when work tends to be a second home to most of us. 

The moral of the story is to refrain from settling or forcing things that don’t suit your current life chapter. Instead, be the best you at all times. Stay positive enough to push yourself towards your goals daily. Don’t settle for or force the things that aren’t meant for you right now. But more importantly, always remember your worth and live a little while doing so!

-Much Love Hooters,

Cherry and the Hoot

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Moment of Truth: Loss of Motivation is Real

Cherry and the Hoot

Imagine yourself coming up with such an excellent plan for your future. You’ve carefully brainstormed reasonable and doable steps to guide you toward your goals. You’ve thoroughly researched the pros and cons and weighed out whatever it is you want to accomplish. You created a bonus plan just in case things don’t work out. You’re more than willing to put in the extra work or make possible sacrifices to succeed. You’re excited and begin to execute the first few steps, but then something unexpected happens. Something you didn’t plan, nor was it revealed while researching. You were trying your best to stay in the groove of things, but suddenly, you’ve lost motivation.

Sometimes, there is nothing like deeply desiring something and lacking the motivation to accomplish it. The overall vision is there, and the focus is strong, but the drive to get there seems nonexistent. Could it be one is simply doubting themselves or their goals? Did a life event occur and change the setting? Or what about another individual being the cause of discouragement with their negativity? Whatever the reasoning may be, it happens, and that is okay. It will always be okay to give yourself a break, but you should try your best never to lose your true focus on the objectives you desire in life.

Sure, it would be ideal to achieve our goals overnight, but that isn’t realistic, and I believe this is where most of us go wrong at times. Not all of our plans are going to become successful right away. We create long-term and short-term goals, but many of us either forget or ignore the possibility of those failing, so we don’t make other options. But, honestly, who’s to say even those other options won’t fail us as well? In reality, we don’t know, but we have to go for it regardless. Things will not always move at the pace we’d like them to, but we can’t allow that to discourage us and lose our motivation.

Aiming for the bigger picture should always be essential for achieving our goals in life. Some of us may experience a few minor or even significant setbacks, but we have to keep moving forward as best as possible. Take as many breaks as you wish, but do not give up altogether if you can control it. If you begin to lose motivation, try taking a different approach, such as a simple lifestyle change. Speak with someone already in the position you desire to be in for guidance. Re-evaluate your steps and take a possible detour if need be, but do not give up because you have already come so far. I can’t express that enough. Keep your head above the water, take a deep breath, take your time, keep going, and you will succeed!

If I am being sincere, this topic came along because I am genuinely losing motivation towards this blog. It’s sad, but this is my truth to my supporters. So many people do not understand how challenging it is to be suffering from mental health disorders such as anxiety and major depression while trying to be there for others battling those same disorders. It is not easy, especially when I am already struggling to be there for myself. Yet, I keep trying my best to produce content even when I don’t feel like it because I know others look forward to my posts. I’m beyond grateful for that.

I push myself because I know the overall picture I wish to accomplish for myself and others. Those without a voice who can not express themselves adequately or feel as though they are alone when they aren’t- I am trying as hard as I can to be there for us. Additionally, working on this Cherry and the Hoot blog along with my personal and work life, I am quietly behind the scenes trying to develop additional opportunities for myself and my future. So it gets tricky, but I am not giving up on us. At times, it may take a bit longer to produce content, but I will always be here and forever appreciate my supporters’ understanding. No matter what, I’ll never forget to take some time to Live a Little in the midst of it all!

Much Love Hooters,

-Cherry and the Hoot

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Five Daily Mental Health Questions To Ask Yourself

Cherry and the Hoot

Hooters,

Mental Health Awareness Week is upon us, and we all could use a few tips on improving our daily mental health. These five questions are important to ask ourselves daily because understanding how we feel and being true to ourselves will ensure what kind of assistance we might need to get us through the day. Of course, the answers will change daily depending on our moods, but keeping a log and staying on track can prevent us from falling into deeper levels of darkness. Ask yourself these questions, and watch your mental health improve by the day. 

Five Daily Mental Health Questions To Ask Yourself

  1. What is my mood like today?
  2. What has been bothering me lately?
  3. Is my body receiving its basic needs?
  4. What do I do to bring myself joy?
  5. Who am I going to have on my side?

Much Love,

Cherry and the Hoot

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21 Days of Hope Challenge

Cherry and the Hoot

April happens to be the Month of Hope. Hope is what we need to keep ourselves going each day. Hope is believing in ourselves and wanting the best outcome of our lives. Hope allows us to overcome some of our most challenging moments. Sadly, when one loses hope, they might feel there is nothing left to live for. However, one should never lose the feeling of hope when it comes to their life. Life is a beautiful thing and should always be cherished. Unfortunately, so often, we as people tend to forget the good we’ve already encountered. Instead, we take the things that once made us happy or previously provided us with hope for granted.

I created this 21 Days of Hope challenge to provide hope to those in need. Each day should remind one of the little things in life they may have forgotten or taken for granted. The goal is to think deeply about each question and consider how it truly made you feel at that moment. I suggest writing your answers in a notebook or the Notes app on your phone, so they’ll be readily available when you need them the most. Give yourself 10-15 minutes each day to cherish these occurrences, and if you’re able to, try to recreate newer memories.

Day 1:
Who is someone who brings you happiness? What is your connection with this person? How do they make you happy? What are things you enjoy doing with this person?

Day 2:
What is the best part of your physical health you’re grateful for? Why? What are you doing to upkeep your physical health?

Day 3:
Describe a time you were able to overcome a challenging obstacle you were uncertain about. How did overcoming the obstacle make you feel? Are you confident you’ll successfully overcome that obstacle again if faced?

Day 4:
Describe your happy place. When and how did you discover this particular place? What about this place makes you happy? How often do you visit?

Day 5:
A time you were experiencing one of the darkest moments of your life and someone special was able to uplift your spirits. How was this person able to help? Have you been able to express to them how it made you feel?

Day 6:
What is a song that brings happiness when you’re down? Is it repeat-worthy? How long does it make you feel good? Did you listen to it today?

Day 7:
What is a small achievement you’re proud of? How were you able to accomplish this goal? Have you been able to set higher goals to achieve? What are you waiting for?

Day 8:
A smell that brings you happiness. What does this smell remind of you? Why is it so significant?

Day 9:
A time a stranger put a smile on your face. How were you feeling before that moment? After?

Day 10:
A fun, memorable moment with a close family member or friend. What was the occasion? How did you feel at the time?

Day 11:
A time you were down at work, and a coworker cheered you up. What did they do to help? Can you still count on them today?

Day 12:
What is a movie that makes you happy? Why is it so unique? How often do you watch it?

Day 13:
Name a book that inspires you to better yourself. When’s the last time you read it? Have you been able to apply any advice to your life?

Day 14:
Consider something physical you enjoy doing that others aren’t capable of. Are you grateful? How would encourage an incapable individual?

Day 15:
What is your favorite part about technology? Does it help contribute to your happiness? How?

Day 16:
What are some of the most encouraging words you’ve ever heard? Who delivered them? Do you live by those words?

Day 17:
Describe a time a professional helped you overcome something troubling. What was their occupation? How long did it take for you to overcome the matter? How thankful were you at the time?

Day 18:
Describe something at home you’re grateful for others may not have. Have you ever taken this for granted?

Day 19:
Think about the person who’s always there when you need them the most. Who is this person? How often are you in communication? Have you ever expressed your appreciation to this individual?

Day 20:
Think of a time you were able to bring joy to someone else’s life. Who was this person? What did you do? Did their reaction make you feel good?

Day 21:
Consider a moment you put a smile on your face. How were you able to accomplish this smile? How did you feel after? Are you keeping yourself happy by staying consistent with this act of self-happiness?

Some of us may not currently be precisely where we’d like to be, but we should cherish and always consider the positives we’ve already endured throughout our lives. I hope this challenge can help someone find their happiness again or give hope to anyone who feels they lack it. To all reading this, you matter, your happiness matters, having hope matters, and your life matters- please never forget that!

Much Love Hooters,

-Cherry and the Hoot