Alberta suicide rate soars by 30%

[CalgaryFan1988]

A lot of people in here seem to be focusing on material things.

I'm sure financial issues have put a lot of strain on relationships as well. As a result, there are a lot of single people heading into the holidays, which i'm sure plays a (albeit smaller) role here too.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by PaperBagger'14

A huge part of depression is having a negative and cyclic thought process. "I can't afford to spend money on Christmas gifts for my kids, I'm a bad parent. I can't get a job, I'm worthless to a company. I'm worthless to my family if I can't provide. If I had any worth I could buy Christmas presents and have a job." Whatever it takes for someone to break that thought process, be it counselling or meds, is a worthy endeavor.

Yeah, you become convinced that people would be literally better off if you were out of the picture... that you are somewhat hurting them by even being there.

Also, to the poster that said meds can't help depression induced by circumstances, they are wrong. Once depression kicks in, it is difficult or impossible to not dwell on the negative issues. Your brain just can't kick out of it. There are meds that help your brain to break out of that. They have varying success depending on the individual, but they can work. At least good enough to help people focus on other things, which can be a step to getting better.

[DoubleF]

When someone close to me was restructured into a role that looked bleak, they were requested to do optional counseling at the request of HR (which was odd because it wasn't even a firing. Though it might as well have been because it was done in a way that hinted at pushing the person out of the company). All the typical, "It's embarrassing, they're just going to tell me stuff I already know, why can't you do it instead, what a waste of time" were expressed. However as the company was paying a majority portion of it anyways, the person relented and went.

It wasn't mind blowing, but it helped a bit. It wasn't immensely helpful, because this individual had already tapped into many support networks and began the process of improving their situation (by making plans to GTFO of that company), but I could see many others benefiting from it more. Counseling is not silly or embarrassing, it is a great resource when needed.

In some ways, it's like the difference between having a trainer instead of just working out on your own after researching the information. They set up a path to follow and support you along the way/keep you accountable to keep moving in that direction (regardless of whether you feel positive or negative about it).

[Slava]

Regarding the issue of financial issues being a potential trigger I would note that there is help available for people and they should consider these avenues if they are really feeling desperate. Places like http://www.moneymentors.ca/?gclid=CL...FZBcfgodCQwOMw where they can help you structure debts so that you can pay them off, or even avenues like Bankruptcy trustees and things like that. I think there is probably an element of shame here, but I'm sure that getting help to deal with these problems is an enormous stress relief.

[Cain]

A lot of good posts in here...CC, Harry Lime, and others you have hit a bunch of things right on the head. Good insights, tough stories and experiences.

A lot of that resonates with me. People have a lot going on. You don't have to be materially focused personally to feel worthless when many around you are focused in that direction and in a better place (not to mention christmas is a very materialistic holiday these days in many circles). It sucks having to say no to going out because of financial hardship, not being able to take any days off because you aren't taking enough home.

Then you get christmas which is a holiday with great intentions of bringing people together and spreading warmth and love. But it is one of the toughest holiday periods for many people. If you already feel at odds with how things are going...chances are you don't want to spend time prepping for a big party/celebration, pretending that everything is great. If you are already feeling alone/worthless/down, the holiday can exacerbate it just by putting you in the proximity of those who seem unaffected.

It is tough to fight this. I think that many people know that rationally everyone has their own trials and might not be in as an idyllic spot in their life as it seems from the outside, but when you are deeply depressed it is hard to see this. You just see people together, having fun, and wonder what is wrong with yourself.

Anyone who feels this way over the holiday season take solace in the fact that many others do feel the same. Knowing that others share the same misery isn't really the point, but knowing that there isn't anything "wrong" with you may at least bring a touch of comfort. Keeping up a facade of happiness when you aren't is one of the toughest things to do. You may very well feel compelled to do so in order to avoid a tough conversation or unloading on a loved one but consider talking to someone else about it. That is by far the hardest step (at least for myself). It is hard to talk about.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by polak

Unfortunately, anyone who entered the workforce 10 years ago or later, wouldn't know what a true downturn is. I sure as hell can't remember anything like this. I have friends, who are otherwise smart guys, that thought oil was where it was at and that housing or oil would never see a sharp decline.

Its like people see the readily available data and don't notice the sharp drops or decade long declines...

[GGG]

The CBC at one of the crisis centre people on the radio and they said that December actually sees a slight reduction in suicides and the peak rate is April though it's relatively constant.

For me it's been the threat of layoffs that generates a lot of anxiety for me. And in some cases you get in a negative spiral of fear and inaction. Stress is very unhealthy for people so I can see how if you were boarder line before you get pushed over the edge.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by GGG

The CBC at one of the crisis centre people on the radio and they said that December actually sees a slight reduction in suicides and the peak rate is April though it's relatively constant.

For me it's been the threat of layoffs that generates a lot of anxiety for me. And in some cases you get in a negative spiral of fear and inaction. Stress is very unhealthy for people so I can see how if you were boarder line before you get pushed over the edge.

I dont doubt it, especially with the amateur hour way its been handled at a lot of companies.

[polak]

My company isn't even heavily tied into O & G but the threat of losing my job in this environment eats away at me daily. I can't imagine it will go away until Oil rebounds or I somehow bolster my savings tenfold.

[skudr248]

^ Same, though my job is in O&G :/

[calumniate]

I've been through the ropes so to speak in terms of supporting a friend who has been at risk for some time now. It has been an interesting experience to say the least, and I've learned quite a bit about how best to help a person during challenging times, or someone with suspected and / or diagnosed clinical depression. Needless to say it was not what I expected at all, and realized I'd been going about things in ways that would not only drag me down, but ultimately not help the person either.

That said it's almost as if friends, family and colleagues of those in distress be advised to do their own research or seek advice on how to best help someone. It can be somewhat counterintuitive, and is not without its scary moments

[AcGold]

For me the toughest part is the close relationships. The parents don't really see the downturn as an excuse, my dad continually telling me how he went through the recession in the 80s just fine. Girlfriend gets annoyed if I even try to talk about the situation so I'm left up #### creek, everyday told to get my act together and work harder. The close relationships are almost more stress than the crippling debt. Funny how things turned out.

I'm not one that would ever get close to suicide but damn I could see how someone would. I had a good plan, good grades, good references, good attitude, good spending habits and things went to total ####. My current menial job knows I'm screwed and can't quit so I get harassed on the daily, sexually, physically and verbally. There were toxic chemicals in the building and the bosses answer was it's not toxic, no complaining.Suicides up? Not really surprised when someone can end up in my situation being exploited and harassed on the daily with no real options out.

[peter12]

Originally Posted by AcGold

For me the toughest part is the close relationships. The parents don't really see the downturn as an excuse, my dad continually telling me how he went through the recession in the 80s just fine. Girlfriend gets annoyed if I even try to talk about the situation so I'm left up #### creek, everyday told to get my act together and work harder. The close relationships are almost more stress than the crippling debt. Funny how things turned out.

I'm not one that would ever get close to suicide but damn I could see how someone would. I had a good plan, good grades, good references, good attitude, good spending habits and things went to total ####. My current menial job knows I'm screwed and can't quit so I get harassed on the daily, sexually, physically and verbally. There were toxic chemicals in the building and the bosses answer was it's not toxic, no complaining.Suicides up? Not really surprised when someone can end up in my situation being exploited and harassed on the daily with no real options out.

You have to leave town, man.

[PsYcNeT]

Originally Posted by AcGold

For me the toughest part is the close relationships. The parents don't really see the downturn as an excuse, my dad continually telling me how he went through the recession in the 80s just fine. Girlfriend gets annoyed if I even try to talk about the situation so I'm left up #### creek, everyday told to get my act together and work harder. The close relationships are almost more stress than the crippling debt. Funny how things turned out.

I'm not one that would ever get close to suicide but damn I could see how someone would. I had a good plan, good grades, good references, good attitude, good spending habits and things went to total ####. My current menial job knows I'm screwed and can't quit so I get harassed on the daily, sexually, physically and verbally. There were toxic chemicals in the building and the bosses answer was it's not toxic, no complaining.Suicides up? Not really surprised when someone can end up in my situation being exploited and harassed on the daily with no real options out.

Dude do you wanna talk about it?

PM me.

[blueski]

We need the love you lose hot women thread back. That always cheered me up.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Originally Posted by AcGold

For me the toughest part is the close relationships. The parents don't really see the downturn as an excuse, my dad continually telling me how he went through the recession in the 80s just fine. Girlfriend gets annoyed if I even try to talk about the situation so I'm left up #### creek, everyday told to get my act together and work harder. The close relationships are almost more stress than the crippling debt. Funny how things turned out.

I'm not one that would ever get close to suicide but damn I could see how someone would. I had a good plan, good grades, good references, good attitude, good spending habits and things went to total ####. My current menial job knows I'm ####ed so I get harassed on the daily, sexually, physically and verbally. Suicides up? Not really surprised when someone can end up in my situation being exploited and harassed on the daily.

I went through something similar. Graduated top of my class from a Maritime University. Unable to find a job originally despite that. Very few jobs in my field, and the ones that were available were almost entirely filled by nepotism. Didn't want to sit on my ass all day waiting for the phone to ring, so I took a manual labour job. Was abused constantly by coworkers. I come from very blue collar roots so i did everything I could to come off as very grateful for the job and didn't talk down about any task I was given. Didn't matter though. They knew I had a large amount of education and that was enough to warrant constant abuse as the college boy. Every single day I would come home after being demoralized at work and get the same BS from my parents/girlfriend about working harder to find a job, not looking in the right places, how much much they had given me to go to school and not use my degree, etc. Like you said, the personal component was the worst. You are are looking for support, not to get kicked again why you are down.

Like you, definitely not someone who would consider doing harm to themselves, but I'm not to sure how long I would have lasted in that situation without causing irrevocable mental damage. I removed myself from the situation. Sent resumes to companies in cities all over the world, chose Calgary, and picked up my bags and left. Have been happy since the day I got on that plane.

I don't work in Oil and Gas per say, but it definitely affects my job, and I'm starting to get some anxiety myself, like everyone in the City of Calgary. I can tell you this though, I will never let it get to the point that it did back when I was just finished school. I will remove myself from the situation much more promptly. If you are willing to move, there will always be opportunity for you. I've noticed there seems to be a very large reluctance on some people's behalf to consider moving. Calgary is a great place to live, but it isn't worth doing severe emotional damage to yourself.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by peter12

You have to leave town, man.

Second this.

I lived in small town US for a year after graduating and then a bigger city for another year. Didn't really want to but now I am back in Calgary and have a relatively stable and good paying job.

I did long distance and survived. Relationship will hold if both parties are committed.

Get some experience at the cost of leaving Calgary. It will always be here.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by peter12

You have to leave town, man.

Easier said than done.

Having said that, it does remarkable things for your general anxiety levels when you can cut a thousand dollars or so from your monthly bills because you no longer live somewhere that housing costs are astronomical.

I looked at a move back to Calgary a couple of years ago but it just made no sense going from Vancouver to Calgary because of the cost of living wasn't any different.

AcGold might not be in the position where it's economically feasible for him to leave the city, but I agree with you, major urban centres are absolutely soul sucking when you are stuck in a dead end job or feel like you have no advancement in your future. You don't even get to enjoy the perks the city you're in has to offer.

[AcGold]

Thanks for listening guys, it really does help. I am considering moving but at the moment can't afford to, going to maybe pick up another job and start saving to get the hell out of here. The hardest part is feeling like nobody even remotely cares for long long periods of time. I've had broken bottles held to my neck and gone home incoherent from toxic chemicals. That #### weighs on me especially when my family consistently tries to rationalize the ways in which it's my fault.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by AcGold

Thanks for listening guys, it really does help. I am considering moving but at the moment can't afford to, going to maybe pick up another job and start saving to get the hell out of here. The hardest part is feeling like nobody even remotely cares for long long periods of time. I've had broken bottles held to my neck and gone home incoherent from toxic chemicals. That #### weighs on me especially when my family consistently tries to rationalize the ways in which it's my fault.

Where the hell do you work?

There are other menial jobs out there besides being a Warboy for Immorton Joe.