Let's talk Life: Sleepless nights

Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson, Contributor

Dear Counsellor,

I am being treated for depression and, since recently, I have noticed that I am not sleeping through the night. I wake up and stare at the ceiling until I fall back asleep. When I am awake, I think of all my problems until my head hurts.

- Sandra

Dear Sandra,

Sleep problems are common in people who are depressed. If you were sleeping before with the medication, then it means that the dose of the medication needs to be increase. Depression can be a chronic illness with relapses. Sleep is important, so you need to look at certain things. Are you going to bed too early? Are you taking the medication? Many people stop taking the pills whenever they feel that they are better. Do you work on shift? Cognitive behaviour therapy can help you to sleep better.

See your therapist and discuss your symptoms with him.

Help, my daughter is suicidal!

Dear Counsellor,

My 14-year-old daughter is threatening to kill herself and I do not know what to do.

- Marie

Dear Marie,

Suicidal threats by teenagers are getting very common and should be taken seriously. You should take your daughter to see a psychiatrist for evaluation right away. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States of America.

The most recent data from the National Council on Drug Abuse show that 23 per cent of teenagers (13-15 years) are having suicidal ideation and 22 per cent have attempted suicide.

Depression, anxiety, substance abuse, sexual abuse and domestic violence can predispose teenagers to have suicidal thoughts. It is important to take such statement seriously and consider the situation an emergency.

Many teenagers are having conflict with family members or peers and have difficulty with problem-solving and decision-making. The teen years can be ones of instability and chaos, and this can increase the stress level of the teenagers. It is good to be able to talk with your daughter because people who are expressing suicidal ideation are asking for help as they feel overwhelmed and boxed in.

Your daughter needs to be able to talk about her problems and need help in looking at appropriate solutions. There are psychiatrists all over the island as well as mental-health nurses, psychologists and social workers.

There are intermediaries like the police, pastors, doctors and guidance counsellors who are usually the first port of call in an emergency. They usually refer to the specialists. Give lots of positive attention and be demonstrative of affection. Listen to her and let her ventilate her sorrows. Has any close family member or close friend died recently? Some individuals have survivor's guilt and may want to die also.

In all things have faith in God and seek help in prayer and action.

Email questions and feedback for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602.