Steelemagnolia

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I'm a mental health professional working in schools. I think things like men's shelters and support groups are needed, but they're not going to touch youth suicide, kids who die by suicide won't benefit from a men's shelter. Suicide rates are increasing at an alarming rate and the truth is we don't really know why, but it's probably an interplay between multiple factors. However there are things we can do to help. On a systemic level we can ensure schools implement social emotional curriculum, teach problem solving and self advocacy, mindfulness, etc. We should ensure that schools are properly staffed with mental health professionals. (That'll take some time as there's a shortage) We can ensure every school is trauma informed. To do this well will require some massive changes to how we measure school effectiveness (which we need anyways) and reprioritizing our curriculums. we can help make sure kids are plugged in and have friends. We can make sure at least part of their day at school is doing something they're good at.

And if you're really concerned, it's ok to just ask. Asking "Do you ever think about hurting or killing yourself" actually decreases the risk of suicide.

Not OP, but something I learned from CBT, motivation follows action, not the other way around. You have to get started to get motivated. Also it’s hard, hugs to you

Not OP, but also in mental health. Motivation follows action, not the other way around, so you really have to make yourself just get started. Set manageable goals for yourself and get started. It may also help to broaden what you consider as self care, self care doesn’t always mean rest. Self care can also be caring for yourself in getting one step closer to a goal, or growing professionally, or creating a tidy home that feels good to be in.

Imagine you need to clean the whole house, it’s a complete mess and it’s been neglected and cleaning it seems impossible. First, be realistic, that’s not a job you’re going to get done on a Thursday after work. But, you could do 1 hour if it on a Thursday after work. Or maybe you clean one bathroom.

Shift your goal from finishing it to starting it.

Also mindfulness doesn’t have to be meditation. You can practice mindfulness on a walk, or washing the dishes, or cooking. The goal is to be completely present in the moment. If it doesn’t work for you in the still and quiet, more active mindfulness might suit you.