Seasons Change…

September is here. The leaves will begin to turn soon. Our days will become shorter and our nights a little colder. How do you plan to adjust? As the season changes, so do our emotions. Some of us retreat to our sanctuaries and lock in. Some of us plan what we want our seasonal change to look and feel like. And some of us digress because we aren’t sure how to deal with the changes.

Depression hits and we become a victim of our thoughts and emotions. Once we allow that to happen, we become a prisoner, unsure or unwilling to be set free. And as prisoners of negative thoughts and feelings, we start to drift into a fantasy of a world without us in it. We harp on it and start planning what we think is our escape route. I’m talking about suicide.

This is a hard topic, but an important one, especially during Suicide Prevention Month. The first step toward freedom is to recognize the bars of the cage.

The Signs of a Trapped Mind

Depression doesn’t always look like constant sadness. Sometimes, it’s a quiet retreat, a slow fade from the things and people you love. Recognizing the signs—in yourself and in others—can be the first step toward finding a path out.

• Emotional Signals: Look for persistent feelings of hopelessness, irritability, or an overwhelming sense of emptiness. You might also notice a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed or feel an intense sense of worthlessness.

• Behavioral Shifts: Be aware of changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or sleeping too much), a shift in appetite, or a sudden lack of energy that makes even small tasks feel monumental. You might also find yourself withdrawing from friends and family or increasing your use of drugs and alcohol.

• Urgent Warnings: If someone you know begins to talk about wanting to die, feels like a burden, or starts giving away possessions, take it seriously. A sudden, unexplained sense of calm after a period of depression can also be a dangerous sign, as it may indicate they’ve made a final decision.

Finding the Lifeline to Freedom

The feeling of being trapped is a lie. There are always people and resources waiting to help you find your way out. You don’t have to do this alone.

• For Immediate Help: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please reach out. In the U.S. and Canada, you can call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Another option is to text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

• For Lasting Support: The best long-term strategy is to connect with a professional. Start with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to a therapist or counselor. They provide a safe, confidential space to unpack your thoughts and learn effective coping strategies. Websites like Psychology Today can also help you find a qualified professional in your area. You can also find immense support in local groups through organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where you can connect with people who truly understand what you're going through.

Refusing to Be a Prisoner

You are not your negative thoughts. You are not your overwhelming emotions. You are a human being worthy of love, light, and a life well-lived. To fight back against the fantasy of escape, you have to find ways to reconnect with the world.

• Challenge the Lie: Your thoughts will try to convince you of your worthlessness, but they are just that—thoughts, not facts. Gently challenge them. When a negative thought appears, ask yourself, "Is this the truth, or is this my depression talking?"

• Create a Safety Plan: This is a powerful tool to use during moments of crisis. A good safety plan includes a list of your personal warning signs, small coping strategies you can use on your own, and the names and numbers of trusted people you can call. It's also a place to write down a few simple reasons for living—the things, no matter how small, that you look forward to.

• Focus on the Present: When your mind starts to spiral, use your senses to ground yourself. What are five things you can see right now? Four things you can feel? Three things you can hear? Two things you can smell? One thing you can taste? This simple exercise can pull you back from the edge and remind you that you are here, now.

As the season changes, so can your emotional landscape. Remember that a suicidal crisis is almost always temporary. The pain you feel is real, but it is not permanent. The world needs you, and there is a path forward to a future that feels good and full of hope. 

So, Stay Another Day. 

Sincerely a woman in her forever phase of healing, self loving and continuous growing. 

By Keshawnan Fox-Kelly