This week is National Suicide Prevention Week and today is World Suicide Prevention Day;
unfortunately, many people believe the myth that if you talk with someone about
suicide, you plant an idea in their mind. The opposite is true. If someone is
thinking about suicide, talking about it could spare his life.
In 2009, there were 36,909 suicides in the U.S. (100.8
suicides per day; 1 suicide every 14.3 minutes). This number is astounding to me. So many people suffering without hope. Suicide is the tenth leading
cause of death in the U.S.
Believe
it or not, the elderly (80+) are the most likely age group to complete suicide
(Click
here for more information on suicide among the elderly).
I have met so many people who struggle with depression. Did you know that people who are depressed are twice as likely to attempt suicide than those who are not depressed. In an effort to help, the American Association of Suicidology has compiled a list of potential links
between suicide and depression. Click
here to read more. If you have friends or family members who are depressed, be proactive in expressing your love and support. Join me in praying each day this week for those who are depressed and feel hopeless.
Seven years ago, I never dreamed I'd be blogging about suicide. Since Michael’s death, I am determined to be vigilant to do my part to prevent future suicides. In response to this week, I am giving away a free copy of my new book, Tears to Joy, which shares practical tools for helping the depressed and for reaching out to those touched by suicide. To be entered in a drawing for the book, comment below (make sure to leave your name) what you will do this week to help in suicide prevention (pray, blog, link others to a blog about suicide, talk to a friend, etc.).
Join millions in lighting a candle near a window at 8:00 PM tonight to remember those who have died by suicide.
Labels: Mental Health
