Mental Health Support for Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal ideation is when a person is contemplating suicide, which may involve imagining how they would commit suicide, what the world would be like without them, or fantasizing about ending their pain through suicide. Suicidal ideation can arise from difficult life circumstances such as poverty or abuse, mental illness, poor physical health, trauma, or even medication. When a person suffering from suicidal ideation can receive mental health support, it can considerably decrease the risk of a tragic outcome. Read More

Why Self-Harm is Happening Earlier and More Often

We’re living in stressful times, and unfortunately, children and teens are not immune to the challenges we are facing in the world today. Young people are dealing with more stress, anxiety, and depression than ever before, and it leaves many of them seeking ways to cope. Read More

Millennials, Suicide, Overdose, and COVID-19

Millennials have been suffering from a health decline in recent years, experiencing higher rates of depression, suicide, and drug overdose than the previous generation. A number of factors have been implicated in this decline, but the COVID-19 pandemic has put them in the spotlight: Millennials are dealing with a poor job… Read More

Scars: What Lies Beneath Sexual Trauma

Leah, 21, presents herself as shy and pleasant, yet has a history of multiple relationships with abusive men, a history of cutting and most recently made a suicide attempt. Alexis, 24, seeks treatment after a heroin overdose. Jon, 22, comes to treatment for depression. He has dropped out… Read More

It Can Get Better. We Can Help

Life as a teenager or young adult can be very exciting, yet along with growing independence and new beginnings, there can be quite a few challenges too. Contending with things like identity, the need for approval, self-esteem, and purpose can sometimes lead to an increased degree of anxiety, confusion, and sometimes periods of sadness or depression. Read More

Approach ‘13 Reasons Why’ with Curiosity Instead of Fear

By Lindsay Merrell, Therapist, Remuda Ranch at The Meadows Since the years of my internship, working with patients facing suicidal thoughts has been concerning, challenging, and inspiring. Individuals struggling with such hopelessness come to professionals in desperate need of relief from what is starting to feel like an inevitable outcome. Our responsibility as professionals is to be persistently and empathically interested in the individual’s struggle. Our curiosity gives them the courage to look at the very pain they fear. Read More

Kid Cudi, Shame, and Depression

Hip-hop artist and actor Kid Cudi announced yesterday that he is currently receiving treatment for depression and suicidal thoughts. In a Facebook post he said, “It’s been difficult for me to find the words to what I’m about to share with you because I feel ashamed…” Read More

College-Age Suicides Escalate

Untreated Depression Costs Lives Each new day brings rays of sunshine that invite life’s pleasures – the enticing scent of freshly brewed coffee; the warmth of embracing young children as they scurry off to school; or savoring simple bowls of delightful berries in all of its sweetness. Unfortunately, life’s splendors are no longer in reach for suicide victims. There are no more tomorrows and no options to change course. No more laughter. No more aha moments. No more tender hugs from loved ones. Nothing can reverse the loss of a life to suicide. It’s finite. Over. There are no second chances. Unfortunately, suicides on college campuses have been accelerating at an alarming rate. Paul Soutter, a sophomore at the College of William & Mary, recently took his own life. A once high-achieving young man, his death has brought increased attention to this epidemic of sorts. His death will forever leave a mark on his family, friends, teachers, and everyone else who knew this young individual who was once so full of life. This was the fourth student death at the college this year. Read More