Fibromyalgia is a condition that develops more commonly in women. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain along with fatigue, sleep, memory, and psychological disturbances such as anxiety or depression. These symptoms can be accompanied by headaches, irritable bowels, or bladder disturbances. Although the precise cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, one of the theories is that it amplifies painful sensations by affecting how the nervous system processes painful and nonpainful stimuli.
Treatment:
While there is no simple cure, a variety of treatments can help ease symptoms in many cases. Non-medication treatments can include exercise, relaxation, and stress reduction methods along with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Medications may include painkillers and antidepressants.
Normal grief
Grief is the natural way in which people respond to a significant and traumatic loss (death, financial, job, relationships, serious illness, etc.). While each person experiences grief in their own way, most normally exhibit some of the following: Crying, sleep pattern changes, lack of energy, change in appetite, withdrawing from social interactions, difficulty concentrating, feeling of anger, guilt, aloneness, emptiness, sadness, but they still occasionally experience moments of happiness. This process starts in the immediate days to months and gradually decreases with time but can take months. Stages of grief may include: Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. These stages can take from 6–12 months. In case of death, people never entirely forget loved ones, but with time they learn how to cope in their absence.
Abnormal / Complicated grief
However, some people might not experience the normal course of grief. The usual responses to loss do not fade away with time, and this can prevent them from leading normal lives. Symptoms might be more intensified. Examples may include intense anger, irritation, and an inability to focus on anything but the loss. In cases where the loss is that of a loved one acceptance is delayed, and the bereaved may focus intensely on reminders of the loved one with overwhelming bouts of depression, hopelessness, worthlessness, low self-esteem, helplessness, or suicidal thoughts. They may also engage in self-destructive behavior such as alcohol or drug abuse.
Treatment:
Normal grief is a natural process. Support from family and friends, exercise, self-care and doing pleasurable activities can all help make the grieving process less difficult. Complicated grief, however, may need additional interventions such as talk therapy and medications according to the needs of each case.
Suicide is the act of intentionally ending your life.
If you’re reading this because you have, or have had, thoughts about taking your own life, it’s important you ask someone for help. It’s probably difficult for you to appreciate at this time, but you’re not alone and not beyond help.
Many people who have had suicidal thoughts say they were so overwhelmed by negative feelings they felt they had no other option. However, with support and treatment they were able to allow the negative feelings to pass.
Getting help
If you are feeling suicidal, there are people you can talk to who want to help:
- speak to a friend, family member, or someone you trust as they may be able to help you calm down and find some relief
- make an urgent appointment or arrange a home-visit through one of the Behman clinics or call 16984.
Worried someone is suicidal?
If you’re worried that someone you know may be considering suicide, try to encourage them to talk about how they are feeling. Listening is the best way to help. Try to avoid offering solutions and try not to judge.
If they’ve previously been diagnosed with a mental health condition, such as depression, you can speak to a member of their care team for help and advice.
Why do some people take their own life?
There’s no single reason why someone may try to take their own life, but certain things can increase the risk.
A person may be more likely to have suicidal thoughts if they have a mental health condition, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Misusing alcohol or drugs and having poor job security can also make a person more vulnerable.
It’s not always possible to prevent suicidal thoughts, but keeping your mind healthy with regular exercise, healthy eating and maintaining friendships can help you cope better with stressful or upsetting situations.
Self-harm
Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body.
It is a way of expressing deep emotions such as low self-esteem, or a way of coping with traumatic events, such as the death of a loved one. Unlike suicidal attempts, the underlying intention is usually not ending one’s life.