WHO WE ARE?
Xchange came into existence over two years ago as a result of and a reaction to the growing demand for a constructive positive, supportive empathic and nonjudgmental response to teenage suicides and self harm mostly among adolescents and in younger adults in our Community. It was a salient issue which required a sensitive but innovative psychological response, at voluntary level and which would be seen to be efficient, transparent, accountable and one which ultimately will save young people lives and those of older adults in the wider Craigavon Community and across the province. Xchange is inclusive of all ethnic groups living in our Community and extends their emotional support to all migrants. Our mobile caravan unit is based at the river bann bridge in portadown every saturday night from midnight until dawn. read moreEmergency Telephone Numbers
UNDERSTANDING SUICIDE
Understanding suicideSuicide pervades every aspect of our rapidly changing society. I have deliberately tried to give you some clear understanding of the causes of suicide especially in young people, and the early warning signs to look for.
It’s important to understand that not all those who complete suicide, usually young males, are mentally ill. This fatal behaviour is becoming much more common today in teenagers who for a wide variety of reasons, take their own life intentionally or unintentionally. Adolescence is not a time of change, it’s a time of increased psychological pressures and endless stress for parents and teenagers themselves , searching for an identity. Read more
If you are the victim of marginalization, bullying or even cyberbullying and cyberostracism, do get in touch
DEPRESSION AND ALCOHOL
Clinical depressionThis is probably the most common form of depression, usually reflecting a persistent low mood, loss of weight or increase in weight, lethargy, sleeplessness, anxiety, and isolation.
Bipolar depression
A genetic disorder that is less common than major clinical depression. Symptoms usually show in a mania state with the person being belated, usually denying that anything is wrong with them; follwed by a low mood for a few weeks before entering the mania phase again.
Teenage depression
This can be attributed to developmental changes in brain chemistry in the young person at a time when they are trying to become independent and adult in their behaviours, and losing some friends whilst searching for others. This presents many challenges to the young person who is learning to cope with teenage romance, disappointments, establishing a sense of who they are and what they will become in the future.
Binge Drinking and Teenage alcohol disorder
Alcohol is especially common in underage drinkers here in Northern Ireland. Research shows a very strong association between alcohol consumption and teenage suicide.
TREATMENTS
There are several forms of treatment recommended for depression depending on the type.Medication
Antidepressant drugs can be very effective in lifting the moods of the individual and in many cases are compulsory to correct the body’s internal chemistry.
Cognitive behaviour therapy
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy should be recommended by your GP or Psychiatrist to help you change the way you are thinking about the problem that is making you feel depressed lonely or suicidal. Some forms of therapy are called psychotherapy and can be effective in some cases usually in older adults.
A combination of medication and cognitive behaviour therapy is most effective. You can ask your GP for a referral to a Clinical Psychologist in your local health trust.