Humor Heals: A Kandid & Frank Chat on Depression & Suicide

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This is a content trigger warning. On this episode, we will be discussing suicide and mental health issues like depression. Please, please make the best decision for your emotional and mental health when choosing whether or not to listen to this episode. If you need resources or support, please call or text 988! Help is available 24/7 365!  Please take care of all parts of yourself. Thank you, and enjoy the show.

I was joined for this important discussion on depression and suicide by Suicide Prevention Speaker and Comedian, Frank King, aka "The Mental Health Comedian."

Frank has fought a lifetime battle with depression and chronic suicidality, and has turned that long, dark journey into eight, yes, eight TEDx talks and a wealth of insights on mental health!

The Stats:

The number and rates of suicides in the US has increased 4% from 2020 to 2021 after two consecutive years of decline in 2019.

• In 2020 45,979  Americans died by suicide.
• Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the US.
• There is one suicide death in the US every 11.5 minutes.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year old Americans
• There is one suicide death for every estimated 25 suicide attempts.
• 11.7% of adults age 18 or over experience regular feelings of worry, nervousness, or anxiety
• 4.8% of adults age 18 or over experience regular feelings of depression

Key Takeaways:

• 8 out of 10 people who are suicidal are ambivalent, meaning they cannot make up their minds.
• 9 out of 10 people give hints in the last week leading up to an attempt, which means the vast majority of people want to be saved. 
• Suicide contagion or clusters, and it was defined as the exposure to suicide or suicidal behaviors within a family peer group or through media that can result in increases in suicide and suicidal behaviors
• "Chronic suicidal ideation" is rare and is defined as the option of suicide always being on the menu as a solution for problems large and small.

Top Warning Signs of depression:

1. Eat too much, or can't eat
2. sleep too much, or can't sleep.
3. They have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, so they're often late for work or school, but they rally in the afternoon almost like a different person.
4. They let their personal hygiene go.

Warning Signs Of Suicidal Ideation:

1. They talk about death and dying a lot
2. Death and Dying appears is a theme in their artwork of their music.
3. Stock piling medication or buying a firearm.
4. Getting their affairs in order, especially if they're giving away prize possessions
5. They've been depressed forever and now they're happy for no reason.

What To Say to Loved One is in Crisis:

"Say I'm here for you and I mean it. I know you're not lazy or crazy or self absorbed. I know that depression's a mental illness. Here's the good news. With time and treatment, things will get better. I will take the time. I'll help you get the treatment!"

If they're an immediate danger to themselves or somebody else, you have to dial 911 and get them help!

If they're not an immediate danger to themselves, but they won't go seek help call 988, the new 3-digit Suicid

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Intro Music by: Anthony Nelson aka BUSS
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/buss/252316338
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