FAQS
How does life coaching differ from therapy?
While both life coaching and therapy aim to support personal growth, they have distinct approaches. Therapy typically focuses on addressing past traumas, emotional healing, and diagnosing mental health conditions. On the other hand, life coaching is forward-focused, centered around setting and achieving goals, enhancing performance, and unlocking potential. If you're seeking to overcome specific challenges from your past, therapy might be more suitable. If you're looking to create a roadmap for personal or professional success, life coaching could be the right fit.
How often are coaching sessions conducted?
Coaching sessions frequency can vary based on your needs and preferences. Typically, we recommend starting with weekly sessions to establish momentum and make consistent progress. As you gain confidence and traction towards your goals, sessions might transition to bi-weekly or monthly. The flexibility of our approach ensures that the coaching frequency adapts to your evolving requirements, ensuring optimal support and accountability.
What if I'm unsure about my goals and direction?
It's completely normal to feel uncertain about your goals and direction. Our coaching process begins with an initial assessment where we'll work together to clarify your aspirations, values, and priorities. Through insightful questioning and exploration, we'll collaboratively uncover your passions and potential areas for growth. If you're not entirely sure about your goals, our coaching can help you gain clarity and chart a course that aligns with your authentic self. Remember, the journey towards clarity is an integral part of the coaching process itself.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis. Help is available.
Call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or chat 988lifeline.org
Suicide Awareness
Suicide awareness is a crucial aspect of mental health advocacy, aiming to reduce the stigma associated with discussing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It involves educating the public about the signs and risk factors of suicide, promoting open conversations, and encouraging individuals to seek help when in distress. Effective suicide awareness campaigns provide resources and support for those struggling with mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of community, connection, and professional assistance. By fostering an environment of empathy, understanding, and proactive intervention, suicide awareness efforts strive to save lives and build a society where mental health is prioritized and supported.
Various Warning Signs...what to look for
When worried about someone thinking about suicide, it's essential to recognize various warning signs that may indicate suicidal thoughts or intentions. These signs can be behavioral, verbal, emotional, or situational. Here’s a detailed overview of what to look for:
Behavioral Signs
Isolation and Withdrawal: Avoiding friends, family, and social activities.
Changes in Behavior: Sudden shifts in behavior, such as increased aggression, irritability, or recklessness.
Loss of Interest: Disinterest in activities that were once enjoyable or significant.
Risky Behaviors: Engaging in dangerous activities, such as substance abuse or reckless driving.
Changes in Sleep Patterns: Insomnia, excessive sleeping, or unusual sleep patterns.
Decline in Personal Hygiene: Neglecting personal care and appearance.
Farewell Actions: Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again, giving away prized possessions, or making arrangements for pets or dependents.
Verbal Signs
Talking About Death: Expressing a desire to die or talking about death frequently.
Expressions of Hopelessness: Statements about feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, or believing that the future holds no positive outcomes.
Self-Loathing or Guilt: Saying things like “I’m a burden,” “I’m worthless,” or “Everyone would be better off without me.”
Seeking Means: Mentioning or searching for ways to end one’s life, such as researching methods of suicide.
Emotional Signs
Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or worthlessness.
Anxiety: Severe anxiety or agitation, especially about perceived burdensomeness.
Mood Swings: Extreme mood changes, such as suddenly becoming calm after a period of depression, which may indicate a decision to attempt suicide.
Desperation: A sense of being trapped or in unbearable pain.
Situational Signs
Traumatic Events: Recent losses, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss.
Chronic Illness: Dealing with a serious or terminal illness.
History of Mental Health Issues: Past or present mental health disorders, especially depression or anxiety.
Substance Abuse: Increased use of drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Access to Means: Having access to weapons, medications, or other means to commit suicide.
Immediate Actions to Take
Direct Conversation: Engage in a direct and compassionate conversation. Ask them clearly if they are thinking about suicide. This does not increase the risk but shows you care.
Listen: Provide a non-judgmental, listening ear. Allow them to express their feelings and thoughts.
Offer Support: Reassure them that they are not alone, and that help is available. Offer to assist them in finding professional help.
Seek Professional Help: Encourage them to contact a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, or use crisis resources like suicide hotlines.
Remove Means: If possible, remove any means that could be used for self-harm, such as firearms, medications, or sharp objects.
Crisis Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) – Available 24/7.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 – Connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Local Emergency Services: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room in case of immediate danger.
By being vigilant and responsive to these signs, you can play a critical role in providing the support and intervention needed to prevent a potential suicide.
Treatment Options
For someone considering suicide, effective treatment options involve a combination of professional help, support networks, and personal strategies tailored to the individual's needs. Here are some key treatment options:
1. Professional Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on teaching coping skills to manage emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve relationships.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores underlying emotional issues and patterns to understand the root causes of suicidal thoughts.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Addresses issues in personal relationships that may contribute to suicidal feelings.
2. Medication
Antidepressants: Medications such as SSRIs or SNRIs can help alleviate symptoms of depression, which may reduce suicidal thoughts.
Mood Stabilizers: Used to treat mood disorders like bipolar disorder, which can be associated with suicidal ideation.
Antipsychotics: Prescribed if there are underlying psychotic symptoms contributing to suicidal thoughts.
3. Crisis Intervention
Emergency Services: In immediate danger, calling emergency services (911) or going to the nearest emergency room.
Crisis Hotlines: Immediate support through suicide prevention hotlines like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741).
Mobile Crisis Units: Teams of mental health professionals who can provide on-site assistance during a crisis.
4. Inpatient Treatment
Psychiatric Hospitalization: Provides a safe environment for those at high risk of suicide, with access to intensive care and monitoring.
Residential Treatment Programs: Offer a structured environment with comprehensive mental health care for individuals needing longer-term support.
5. Support Networks
Support Groups: Group therapy or support groups for individuals experiencing similar issues, offering peer support and shared experiences.
Family and Friends: Involving loved ones in the treatment process to provide emotional support and help monitor the individual’s well-being.
6. Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care
Routine and Structure: Establishing a daily routine to provide stability and reduce feelings of chaos.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Healthy Diet: Balanced nutrition to support overall mental health.
Sleep Hygiene: Ensuring adequate and consistent sleep patterns to improve emotional resilience.
7. Skill-Building
Coping Skills: Learning techniques to manage stress and emotional distress, such as mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation exercises.
Problem-Solving Skills: Developing strategies to address and resolve personal issues effectively.
8. Follow-Up Care
Regular Check-Ins: Continuous monitoring and follow-up appointments with mental health professionals to track progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Safety Plans: Developing a safety plan that includes warning signs, coping strategies, and emergency contacts to use during a crisis.
9. Alternative Therapies
Art and Music Therapy: Creative outlets that allow expression of emotions and can provide relief from distress.
Animal-Assisted Therapy: Interacting with animals to improve mood and reduce feelings of isolation.
10. Education and Awareness
Psychoeducation: Educating the individual and their family about suicide, mental health conditions, and available treatments to empower and inform their recovery journey.
Combining these treatment options, tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstances, can create a comprehensive approach to reducing suicidal thoughts and improving overall mental health.
Available Help
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Find A.A. Near You This website does not contain a meeting finder. Contact one of the A.A. resources below for a meeting list in that location and the surrounding area.
The Online Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous, or OIAA, is an International service organization established in accordance with the Ninth Tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous A.A., specifically for the purpose of assisting online.
All of the efforts of Narcotics Anonymous are inspired by the primary purpose of our groups. Upon this common ground we stand committed.
Marijuana Anonymous is a simple program based on one addict helping another.
A simple, supportive approach to mental health care. Find a therapist who fits your needs and takes your insurance.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is a Cabinet-level executive branch department of the federal government charged with providing lifelong healthcare services to eligible military veterans at the 170 VA medical centers and outpatient clinics located throughout the country.
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help.
Supporting scientific research on drug use and addiction for 50 years
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families.
The National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC) develops and fosters connections among members to use the power of our network to advance scientific discovery, and to provide stigma free, evidence-based care to patients with depressive and bipolar illnesses.