Suicide is a Permanent Solution

• Someone threatening to hurt or kill him/herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself.



• Someone looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means.



• Someone talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person.

Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for a referral should you witness, hear, or see someone you know exhibiting any one or more of the following:

• Hopelessness


• Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge


• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking


• Feeling trapped - like there's no way out


• Increased alcohol or drug use


• Withdrawing from friends, family and society


• Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time


• Dramatic mood changes


• No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life
  

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

What To Do

Here are some ways to be helpful to someone who is threatening suicide:

• Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.


• Be willing to listen.


• Allow expressions of feelings.


• Accept the feelings.


• Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad.


• Don’t lecture on the value of life


• Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.


• Don’t dare him or her to do it.


• Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you.


• Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.


• Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.


• Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.


• Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

Be Aware of Feelings

Many people at some time in their lives think about completing suicide. Most decide to live because they eventually come to realize that the crisis is temporary and death is permanent. On other hand, people having a crisis sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control. These are some of the feelings and thoughts they experience:

• Can’t stop the pain


• Can’t think clearly


• Can’t make decisions


• Can’t see any way out


• Can’t sleep, eat or work


• Can’t get out of depression


• Can’t make the sadness go away


• Can’t see a future without pain


• Can’t see themselves as worthwhile


• Can’t get someone’s attention


• Can’t seem to get control

If you experience these feelings, get help! If someone you know exhibits these symptoms, offer help!

Contact:
A community mental health agency
A private therapist or counselor
A school counselor or psychologist
A family physician
A suicide prevention or crisis center

Want to know more?

STOP A Suicide Today Day

American Academy of Pediatrics

SAVE

Labels: Suicide

N Posted by Rain at 9/09/2007 09:03:00 AM

1 comments from:  Anonymous,

Friday, November 17, 2006

National Surviors of Suicide Day

On Saturday, Nov. 18, AFSP will sponsor its eighth annual National Survivors of Suicide Day, reaching out to tens of thousands of people who have lost a loved one to suicide.

Dear Readers,

I would like to introduce you to my friend Marie Coppla. Marie and I share many common interests including our "Bipolarism" illness, a love for music, naturally curly hair and poetry. We also have a fondness for tall good looking men! =0). Marie is a very talented and published poet who will be having a book of her poetry coming out sometime in 2006-07.

Unfortunately, Marie and I have had teenagers in our lives that have committed suicide. Marie and I have witnessed the grief and agony of the survivors endure on a day to day basis.

Her Angel

You were her angel, her firstborn,

You are now gone and she is torn.

They say childhood is the best part of life,

Who knew that you would pick up a knife?

You did bad things because of your disease,

You lived your life without any ease.

You ran away to escape sorrow in your life,

You lived it in constant turmoil and strife.

You heard night bird's call, it's time to go,

You need to know it didn't have to be so.

You died young, you couldn't live with pain,

I want you to know her life is not the same.

Now you are her angel dressed in white,

You don't live in darkness but in Heaven's light.
Marie A. Coppla/2006

"I believe poetry is a special gift that should not be wasted. Poetry is one way I communicate with the world and express my emotions. My poem "Her Angel" is about someone I know who has lost her daughter to suicide. The poem is my way of sending a message of comfort and understanding to both mother and child. I hope this poem will be a comfort to any parent who has lost a child. I am in the process of compiling a book of my poems to be published some time in 2006-07." ~Marie Coppla

Go on over and visit Marie's sites, The Fledgling and The Poet Laureate...NOT . You will be glad you did, I know I am.

"Death by suicide is not a gentle deathbed gathering; it rips apart lives and beliefs, and it sets its survivors on a prolonged and devastating journey." (Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison, 1999)

For an excellent link, go to the Suicide Reference Library

Have a safe and happy weekend everyone!

Labels: Suicide

N Posted by Rain at 11/17/2006 09:48:00 AM

9 comments from:  Marie,  Marie,  Rain,  Anonymous,  jedimerc,  Lyndon,  Anonymous,  Anonymous,  Anonymous,