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TUCKAHOE, N.Y. - Someone commits suicide on Metro North train tracks appromiately once a month according to the railroad's records..
This news is no surprise to Dr. Hasan Asis, a psychiatrist on staff at Lawrence Hospital who also has a private practice in Bronxville."This is a very tough time for society, " Asis said. "With the economy as it is, there are people who feel a tremendous sense of hopelessness and helplessness."
Asis said that adding drugs or alcohol to the mix can make the problems worse. " Any kind of substances multiplies those feelings of helplessness., but people often turn to those options when they are in emotional pain."
Some of the obvious symptoms of depression are loss of appetite, erratic or broken sleep patterns, and anxiety, low energy levels and lack of motivation.
"Often people will wonder why someone who is feeling hopeless and helpless does not reach out for help and support from family and friends," Asis said "But part of the problem is that they are unable to reach out for the help they need due to the pain they are in."
Asis also encourages a direct approach to someone you love who may be depressed. "You can come right out and ask them, are you depressed, do you feel hopeless or helpless are you considering ending your life," he said. "People generally do not say they are considering ending their life unless they are really serious about it.
If a family member or friend appears to be in depressed or admits to being depressed, Asis recommends making an appointment with a doctor for that person and offering to take them for help and wait with them.
"Many times the person will not argue, they will go and then the process of helping them can begin," he said. "Their illness takes away their motivation to help themselves but they will accept help from someone close to them."
If that does not work, Asis recommends an intervention of sorts. "A gathering of friends and family designed to support the person, reminds them that they are not alone, there are people here for them," he said.
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