How to respond if your loved one is having suicidal thoughts

person crying beside the bed

What do you do if your loved one tells you they’re thinking about ending their life?

It can be difficult to know how to react when someone close to you reveals that they’re feeling suicidal. Stay calm and know that you’re not alone. There are professionals who can help support your loved one and get them the help they need.

In this post, we will discuss the best ways to respond if your loved one is having suicidal thoughts.

Offer hope

Remind them that things can and will get better.

Let them know that you support them and that you’re there for them no matter what. Most importantly, don’t feed their negative thoughts. They need some positivity now more than ever.

Avoid judgment

Your loved one is already feeling a lot of pain about life, and the last thing they need is for you to add your mindless comments.

Instead, try to be supportive. Let them know that you want to help them get through this tough time. Promote hope and healing, and be understanding if your loved one doesn’t want to immediately talk about what’s going on.

Take their feelings seriously
comforting a loved one

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When your loved one is having suicidal thoughts, take their feelings seriously. This isn’t the time for jokes or making light of the situation.

Your loved one is probably feeling a lot of confusion about recent happenings, and they need you to be there. Talk to them about their thoughts and feelings, and let them know that you’re ready to listen anytime.

Help them develop a plan to move forward

Remember that suicidal thought are just that—thoughts. They don’t have to become a reality.

Help your loved one develop a plan to move forward. This might involve therapy, medication, or just someone to talk to. The crucial thing is that your loved one knows they’re not alone and that there are people who care about them and want to help them get through this challenging time.

You may feel lost and unsure of what to do if your loved one is having suicidal thoughts, but remember that you are not alone. There are people who can help you, and there are steps you can take to support your loved one. Also, don’t neglect taking care of yourself. Supporting a loved one who is struggling with suicidal thoughts can be emotionally draining. Make sure to take time for yourself and allow yourself to heal too.

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Money Topics to Discuss When in a Long-Term Relationship

Like everything else in your relationship, it all boils down to communication. Your quest to find the right person may include someone with a pleasing personality, someone whom you share interests in, someone who gets along well with your family and friends, and other factors that affect your chemistry. As your journey to the “one” comes to an end, you must remember one crucial component: money.

Money has been known to be a leading cause of stress in relationships. This topic is often off-limits, and many couples steer away from conversations involving one’s financial situation. Maybe you are skipping money conversations because you do not want to deal with the consequences of your spending habits. Or, perhaps you have been dating for less than a year and you fear that bringing up a serious topic is going to put a pause on your fun times.

When in a long-term relationship, it is important to discuss your finances with your partner. Everything would not simply work itself out. Your relationship with money will take effort and time.

#1: TALK ABOUT YOUR VIEWS ON MONEY MANAGEMENT

What are your partner’s views on spending and saving? Start the conversation with a non-judgmental tone. You can also share some examples of past experiences that may have influenced your current views and behaviors surrounding money.

This is where you and your partner will go in-depth into how your finances look now and whether your financial habits and views are compatible with one another.

#2: ELABORATE ON YOUR MONEY GOALS

Say you have always dreamed of owning a flat, and you want to do it sooner rather than later. You may want to forgo large expenses such as a European vacation or paying rent near the city-center. Is your partner on board with the plan? Is she or he ready to purchase a flat with you? You need to talk about your money goals and work together to accomplish them.

#3: DISCUSS YOUR ASSETS AND DEBTS

Let us face it! The reality is that, even if you and your partner do not combine finances now or ever, your partner’s money situation is going to affect yours. Do discuss your assets and debts. Big expenses and potentially thousands of dollars of debt can impact any short-term or long-term plans you have.

#4: ASK IF YOUR PARTNER PAYS BILLS ON TIME

If you always pay your bills later, this could affect your ability to borrow money. Your inability to borrow money can affect your future plans with your partner. To check your credit, consider requesting a copy from one of the reporting agencies or your financial institution.

#5: DECIDE HOW YOU ARE GOING TO COMBINE FINANCES

Some couples choose to set up a joint bank account as soon as they decide that they are in it for the long haul. While others have kept their money separate for their entire lives. Decide whether you are going to combine finances or not.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

No matter how you structure your accounts, a joint spreadsheet is a helpful tool to keep track of your household expenses and income. Remember that you can affect each other’s financial situation, especially when entering matrimony.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Why social media fixation is a problem for teens

social media icons

The allure of a “constant connection” to friends can be dangerously addicting, and it’s no secret that teens are especially vulnerable to social media’s lure.

The constant need for validation and attention can result in several problems for your teen, including anxiety, cyberbullying, and decreased academic performance.

If you’re concerned about your teen’s social media fixation, there are steps you can take to help them break their addiction. In this post, we will outline some of the dangers of social media addiction and suggest ways you can help your teen overcome it.

The dangers of social media fixation

You may have noticed that your teen is glued to their phone or laptop, scrolling through social media feeds for hours on end. It’s not just a phase—it’s a real problem.

Here’s why social media fixation is a problem for your teen:

  • It’s addictive. Teens are hardwired to seek out social validation, and social media provides the perfect platform for that. 
  • It’s distracting. Your teen is missing out on essential aspects of their development because they’re so focused on their online persona.
  • It’s harmful to relationships. Your teen may be forming digital relationships instead of actual ones, and that can be damaging in the long run.
  • It’s a waste of time. Your teen could be using that time to learn new things, explore their interests, or develop healthy habits, but instead, they’re wasting it online.
Why teens are susceptible to social media fixation
woman having her picture taken

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Teens are susceptible to social media fixation because their brains are still developing.

The parts of the brain that deal with judgment and impulse control are not fully formed, which means they’re more likely to act on instinct and not think things through.

Add to that the fact that social media is all about instant gratification, and it’s easy to see why teens can get hooked. They’re constantly being bombarded with images and messages that make them feel good, and it’s hard to resist the temptation to keep scrolling.

Warning signs that your teen may be addicted to social media

If your teen is constantly checking their phone or laptop, even when they’re in class or doing homework, then there’s a good chance they’re addicted.

And if they’re withdrawing from friends and family in favor of their online life, then that’s another sign that there’s a problem. It’s crucial to address this issue head-on.

But what can you do to help your teen break free from social media?

Here are a few tips as we come to a close: talk to your teen about the dangers of social media, set reasonable rules, and monitor your teen’s use of social media. You can also help your teen find other activities to replace their social media addiction. This could include things like playing sports or learning how to master a musical instrument.

You’re likely familiar with the dangers of social media fixation—it can lead to teen depression and a skewed view of the world. But try not to be too judgmental in your parenting journey. Your teenager is going through a lot of growing-up changes right now, and they need your support more than ever. Be there for them, and remind them that you love them no matter what.

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Why every child should be exposed to martial arts

kids in a taekwondo class

You may be wondering if martial arts is a good fit for your child.

The short answer is: absolutely! Martial arts can provide a huge range of benefits for kids, ranging from physical fitness and discipline to self-defense skills and focus.

Kids who practice martial arts learn how to set and achieve goals, work through frustration, and handle disappointment. They also learn how to behave respectfully and responsibly both in and out of the dojo.

If you’re still on the fence, take a look at some of the incredible benefits that martial arts can offer your child. We guarantee that after reading this article, you will be ready to sign them up for their first class!

The benefits of martial arts

You might be wondering why martial arts is such a good thing for kids. After all, they’re not going to be fighting in a real life-or-death situation, right?

But that’s exactly the point.

Martial arts isn’t just about learning how to fight. It’s about learning how to control your body and your emotions. It’s about learning how to stay calm in a crisis and make the right decisions when things are happening fast.

And believe us, kids are going to face crises—in the schoolyard, on the sports field, and when they’re out with their friends. That’s why it’s so important to give them the skills they need to handle those situations.

Martial arts can teach them that.

The different types of martial arts
young kids in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu class

Image Credits: evolve-mma.com

When it comes to martial arts, there are a lot of different styles to choose from.

Here are a few to consider:

  • Karate: Good choice for kids who want to learn self-defense.
  • Boxing or Muay Thai: A style that focuses on hand-to-hand combat.
  • Taekwondo: Great for children who want to focus on form and kicks.
  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Perfect for kids who want to learn how to grapple.

But again, it’s up to you to decide which style is right for your child. Just make sure that whatever style you choose, the martial arts instructor has relevant experience working with kids.

Tips for getting your child interested in martial arts classes

You and your other mom/dad friends should all consider organizing a meeting to get together and talk about signing the little ones up for martial arts.

Getting everyone on board will make it more likely that your child will stick with it, and it can be a fun way for friends of the same or similar ages to get together and spend some quality time.

You can also look for family martial arts classes, which can be a great bonding experience for everyone involved. And, of course, there are always (pricey) private classes as an option, too.

Signing your kids up for martial arts classes is one of the most worthy parenting investments you can make. Not only will they learn self-defense skills, but they will also develop discipline, focus, and respect. Martial arts can help your child in so many other ways—from helping them stay on track in school to keeping them physically fit. And the best part is that it’s never too late to start. Sign your child up for a martial arts class today and see the amazing results for yourself.

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Ready to settle down? Here’s why you should stop using dating apps

dating

If you’re looking for a serious relationship that could lead to marriage, you should stop using dating apps.

We know, we know. It’s hard to give up the search and put all your eggs in one basket, but hear us out. Dating apps are great for finding dates, but they’re not so great for finding partners.

Dating apps are designed for convenience and exploration. They allow you to meet people from various backgrounds, which is awesome if you’re young and have the time to spare. But if your goal is to find a partner to marry, then it’s time to put the apps away.

You’re wasting your time

That might sound harsh, but it’s the truth.

You’re spending hours swiping through profiles when you could be meeting people in real life. And if you’re not meeting people in real life, you’re not giving yourself a chance to find the right person.

Dating apps are great for finding someone to hook up with, or for finding someone to date casually, but they’re not the best way to find someone to marry. If you’re looking for a serious relationship, you need to stop using dating apps and start meeting people in real life.

You’re looking for something serious

When you’re looking for something serious, you need to be laser-focused. But right now, your focus is all over the place.

You’re swiping through Tinder profiles and chatting with people on Bumble, but you’re not paying attention to the people you’re talking to. You’re just looking for a quick fix, someone to make you feel better about yourself, and that’s not fair to either of you. You deserve better than that.

You’re not meeting the right type of people
woman looking at a online profile

Image Credits: vox.com

When you’re meeting people online first, you’re meeting them in a very different context than when you’re meeting them in person.

Online, people are putting their best foot forward. They’re editing their profiles and choosing the best photos to post. They’re showing you what they want you to see.

But when you meet someone in person, you get to see them for who they are. You get to see their quirks and their flaws. And that’s a good thing because it means that you can start to get a sense of whether or not this is someone you could see yourself with long-term.

Online dating is causing you to be more judgmental

Here’s the thing: if you’re looking for a serious partner, you’re going to be more judgmental when you’re using dating apps.

You’re going to be looking for the things that you think are essential in a partner, and you’re going to be dismissing people who don’t fit those criteria. And that’s not healthy. It’s not healthy because you might be dismissing someone who could be a great partner for you. Someone funny, kind, and generous. Someone who could make your life better.

So if you’re ready to settle down, stop using dating apps. Meet people the old-fashioned way—through friends, at events, or through organizations that you belong to. And be open to the possibility that the person you end up with might not fit into your preconceived notions of what a perfect partner looks like.

As we close, you should stop using online dating apps if you’re looking for a serious partner to get married to. Here’s why: you’re not getting the results you want. If you’re not meeting the right people, it’s time to try something different. Online dating apps can be addictive, and they can consume a lot of your time. Try meeting people in person instead of relying on dating apps. You will be surprised at how many potential partners you can meet along the way.

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