September 2017: Focus on Suicide Prevention

Friday, September 1, 2017 74 Comments


Awareness Day Articles ’round the ‘net
Depression, PTSD, Chronic Pain and more
– the importance of kindness & understanding
(and maybe an email to your legislators for MORE research funding?)

© Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, CTP, CMC, ACT, MCC, SCAC

World Suicide Prevention Day – Monday, September 10, 2017 – every year, since 2003.

The introduction and Suicide Awareness section of this article is an edited reblog of the one I posted in September 2016.  Unfortunately, not much has changed in the past year.

Notice that my usual calendar is missing this month, to underscore the reality that those who commit suicide no longer have use for one.

Onward and upward?

“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do the something I can do.” ~ Helen Keller

The extent of the mental health problem

Every single year approximately 44 million American adults alone — along with millions more children and adults around the world — struggle with “mental health” conditions.

They range from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ASD, OCD, PTSD, TBI/ABI to ADD/EFD and so-much-MORE.

Many of those struggling with depression and anxiety developed these conditions as a result of chronic pain, fighting cancer (and the after-effects of chemo), diabetes, and other illnesses and diseases thought of primarily for their physical effects.

DID YOU KNOW that one in FIVE of those of us living in first-world countries will be diagnosed with a mental illness during our lifetimes.  More than double that number will continue to suffer undiagnosed, according to the projections from the World Health Organization and others.

Many of those individuals will teeter on the brink of the idea that the pain of remaining alive has finally become too difficult to continue to endure.


One kind comment can literally be life-saving, just as a single shaming, cruel, unthinking remark can be enough to push somebody over the suicide edge.

It is PAST time we ended mental health stigma

Far too many people suffering from even “common” mental health diagnoses have been shamed into silence because of their supposed mental “shortcomings.”

Sadly, every single person who passes on mental health stigma, makes fun of mental health problems, or lets it slide without comment when they witness unkind behavior or are in the presence of unkind words – online or anywhere else – has contributed to their incarceration in prisons of despair.

Related Post: What’s my beef with Sir Ken Robinson?

We can do better – and I am going to firmly hold the thought that we WILL.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO’s primary role is to direct international health within the United Nations’ system and to lead partners in global health responses), suicide kills over 800,000 people each year — ONE PERSON EVERY 40 SECONDS.

STILL there are many too many people who believe that mental health issues are not real – or that those who suffer are simply “not trying hard enough.”

That is STIGMA, and it is past time for this to change.

I’m calling out mental health stigma for what it is:
SMALL MINDED IGNORANCE!

(unless, of course, you want to label it outright BULLY behavior)

NOW, let’s all focus our thoughts in a more positive direction: on universal acceptance, and appropriate mental health care for every single person on the planet.

Don’t forget that you can always check out the sidebar
for a reminder of how links look on this site, they’re subtle ==>

 

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Text below from NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness
America’s largest grassroots mental health organization,
dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness:

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — and on September 10 we observe World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a time to talk about issues relating to suicide prevention, promote resources and awareness, how you can help others and how to talk about suicide without increasing the risk of harm.

National Suicide Prevention Week
Full Week That Includes September 10
American Association of Suicidology
National Suicide Prevention Week (Australia): Sept. 10-17, 2017

An AMAZING YouTube Performance by a 12 year old boy
who totally GETS the importance of helping to prevent suicide

And a heartfelt post from a young woman who learned too young
what happens when people do NOT reach out to help

 

Other Important Awareness Days

I don’t want to overlook other important observances, but I’m going to leave it up to YOU to research and write about most of them this month, hoping to increase the number of people willing to read this month’s article by keeping it shorter than usual.

I spent much time locating a great deal of Related Content to share
– LOTs of choices – most of it at the end of the post –
so click around and check ’em out
(scan the titles, even if you’re pressed for time)

If you have written anything about the conditions below, please leave us all a link in the comments. I will move them into the article (or use them in others).

REMEMBER: you’re likely to be auto-spammed if you leave more than one “live” link per comment and I’ll never see it TO approve.  Multiple comments, ONE link each, should be fine.

Chronic Pain Awareness Month
American Chronic Pain Association
Coping Techniques for Chronic Pain
Taking a Break to Rest My Broken Body + Tips to Cope with Chronic Pain
Mindfulness Mondays: uplifting quotes about dealing with pain
(one of my favorite HERE — and more related links below)

 

Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness Month
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

 

Reye’s Syndrome Awareness Month
National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation

A potentially deadly disease, Reye’s Syndrome strikes swiftly and can attack anyone without warning, from child to adult. All body organs are affected, with the liver and brain suffering most seriously.

While cause and cure remain unknown, research has established a link to the use of aspirin and other salicylate containing substances (medications, over the counter products, and topical use products), for which it has been most publicly known in children.

 

Sickle Cell Awareness Month –
NOT just a concern for dark-skinned populations!
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

FASD Awareness Day
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
September 9
FASworld

National Celiac Disease Awareness Day
September 13
Celiac Sprue Association

World Heart Day
September 30
Wikipedia on World Heart Federation
Positive Help from Sally Cronin:
* Your Heart is only as good as the food you eat! *
* Beating Chronic Stress with strategies and nutrition *

 

 

Physician Suicide and “Physician Wellness” –
Time to start talking about the elephant in the room!
Article HERE

 

 

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for still MORE links to interesting posts
in the Related Content lists below.

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IN ANY CASE, do stay tuned.
There’s a lot to know, a lot here already, and a lot more to come – in this Series and in others.
Get it here while it’s still free for the taking.

Want to work directly with me? If you’d like some coaching help with anything that came up while you were reading this Series (one-on-one couples or group), click HERE for Brain-based Coaching with mgh, with a contact form at its end (or click the E-me link on the menubar at the top of every page). Fill out the form, submit, and an email SOS is on its way to me; we’ll schedule a call to talk about what you need. I’ll get back to you ASAP (accent on the “P”ossible!)

You might also be interested in some of the following articles
available right now – on this site and elsewhere.

For links in context: run your cursor over the article above and the dark grey links will turn dark red;
(subtle, so they don’t pull focus while you read, but you can find them to click when you’re ready for them)
— and check out the links to other Related Content in each of the articles themselves —

Related articles right here on ADDandSoMuchMore.com

Related Articles ’round the net

MORE Suicide Prevention Awareness Posts

Stop Stigma

Chronic Pain

EVERYBODY needs this info (it all starts in the brain!)

BY THE WAY: Since ADDandSoMuchMore.com is an Evergreen site, I revisit all my content periodically to update links — when you link back, like, follow or comment, you STAY on the page. When you do not, you run a high risk of getting replaced by a site with a more generous come-from.

Don’t forget to update me if you move your content!

Filed under A1b-1 Anxiety, Depression & Mood Swings, A1b-1a Depression & Mood Swings, A1b-1b Bipolar Disorder, A1b. ADD Comorbids etc., ADD | ADHD | Attention Deficit Disorder, E2. Making a Difference, E2cb. Awareness Posts, F3. What kind of World do YOU want? Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

About Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, MCC, SCAC
Award-winning ADD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching field co-founder; [life] Coaching pioneer -- Neurodiversity Advocate, Coach, Mentor & Poster Girl -- Multi-Certified -- 25 years working with EFD [Executive Functioning disorders] and struggles in hundreds of people from all walks of life. I developed and delivered the world's first ADD-specific coach training curriculum: multi-year, brain-based, and ICF Certification tracked. In addition to my expertise in ADD/EF Systems Development Coaching, I am known for training and mentoring globally well-informed ADD Coach LEADERS with the vision to innovate, many of the most visible, knowledgeable and successful ADD Coaches in the field today (several of whom now deliver highly visible ADD coach trainings themselves). For almost a decade, I personally sponsored and facilitated seven monthly, virtual and global, no-charge support and information groups The ADD Hours™ - including The ADD Expert Speakers Series, hosting well-known ADD Professionals who were generous with their information and expertise, joining me in my belief that "It takes a village to educate a world." I am committed to being a thorn in the side of ADD-ignorance in service of changing the way neurodiversity is thought about and treated - seeing "a world that works for everyone" in my lifetime. Get in touch when you're ready to have a life that works BECAUSE of who you are, building on strengths to step off that frustrating treadmill "when 'wanting to' just doesn't get it DONE!"

74 Responses to September 2017: Focus on Suicide Prevention

  1. Pingback: November 2017 Mental Health Awareness | ADD . . . and-so-much-more

  2. Pingback: Ageism cuts both ways: Don’t Discount the Kids | ADD . . . and-so-much-more

  4. Crystal Stewart says:
    Sunday, September 3, 2017 at 3:31 pm

    good post. Shared on Linkedin

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Crystal Stewart says:
    Sunday, September 3, 2017 at 11:55 am

    Good Article. Shared on LinkedIn.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. robbiesinspiration says:
    Sunday, September 3, 2017 at 7:23 am

    Thank you for this post Madelyn. Suicide is a real problem and not one that should be brushed under the carpet. I have two friends who’s partners have committed suicide and it is devastating. One has to try to be supportive and help others with mental problems even if it is really difficult sometimes.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, MCC, SCAC says:
      Sunday, September 3, 2017 at 3:45 pm

      Oh Robbie, how awful for the surviving spouses! I’m so sorry.

      It can be hard to get a man to reach out for help, even for physical illness, but I’ve always believed that once a person reaches the point where they are thinking of killing themselves that professional help is really important – especially for the men that have always bottled up their feelings.

      Women, in my experience, benefit as well, but when money is tight-tight-tight, it is sometimes better spent on getting them some help that’s more “pragmatic” (housekeeper, child care, meal prep – etc. – even brain-based coaching to help them figure out how to juggle BEFORE they reach that point). Women tend to report that continuing to push through exhaustion is their biggest challenge and that they just can’t DO it all.

      BOTH are best, of course – and the studies show that therapy plus medication is the most effective, as is making SURE that the gut biome is strong and supportive. Serotonin production begins in the gut – and even medication won’t help until that problem is straightened out. BUT, we really don’t know why some people are ABLE to push through suicidal thoughts and others aren’t. I have no doubt it is brain-based, but truly effective therapies are still missing.

      The POINT of these awareness activities is to bring the problem itself to light. The organizational sites (some linked above) also give tips on how to listen for the signs and how to support in ways unlikely to make the problem WORSE (rah-rah talk isn’t likely to be helpful — like an exhausted swimmer, they need somebody to throw them a rope, NOT to tell them to swim harder.)
      xx,
      mgh

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. dgkaye says:
    Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 3:39 pm

    Madelyn you are an inspiration to so many. I can tell just by the amount of comments and interaction your informative blog receives. This is such an important topic and only spreading the awareness around will help get the message to those who need to know it’s okay to talk about these issues and where to seek help. You know I’m sharing! ❤ xoxo

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. lwbut says:
    Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 6:00 am

    Thanks for the reminder and the concern Madelyn. I only ever had thoughts once in my life – in my 30’s after a break-up and depressing working conditions but came out better for it.
    I’ll be putting up an awareness post or two this month on my blog for my part in the struggle 🙂

    love.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. John Fioravanti says:
    Friday, September 1, 2017 at 5:32 pm

    Reblogged this on Words To Captivate ~ by John Fioravanti and commented:
    Suicide is horribly tragic and Madelyn Griffith-Haynie gifts us with a reminder and some straight talk about a difficult topic. Please, read on…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. updownflight says:
    Friday, September 1, 2017 at 2:57 pm

    A lot of great stuff here! I’m afraid a little more than I can digest in one sitting, but that’s me.

    Suicide prevention day is so important. I’ve written a little bit about suicide in past posts. First, one that was hopefully meant to help prevent it, then unfortunately another about the death of my nephew this past June by suicide.

    What scares me a lot is the thought that in the future “pre-existing conditions” like mental illnesses could prevent some people from getting proper insurance coverage, or at least affordable insurance. Speaking about insurance coverage, my nephew was hospitalized only two weeks before his suicide. For what? Suicide. Do you know how long they kept him in the hospital that last time? Three and a half days. Then he was sent home and told to get an appointment with his regular psychiatrist.

    I’ve been hospitalized for mental illness (bipolar disorder) 10 times in the past and was close to needing one just recently. Only one of the times was related to a suicide attempt, but none of them included fewer than 7 days in the hospital. Most of my hospitalizations were for two to four weeks. Why my suicidal nephew was only kept for 3.5 days is beyond me. Well, no. It was surely related to his insurance, or rather money.

    I was happy I didn’t need hospitalization recently because of money. A hospital stay, surely followed by an IOP stint would have drained away my husband’s and my savings (just copays). I’m on disability so money is tight. I can see why some people try to stay fewer days than they need because of money.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, MCC, SCAC says:
      Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 12:08 am

      I have no idea how to respond appropriately to your comment, unfortunately. My heart breaks to hear about your nephew – and there is nothing that anybody can say to help you or anyone who loved him to heal. The lack of appropriate care given to him in the hospital makes me want to strangle them all!!

      I TOTALLY agree that the GOP’s stand on health care is frightening, unconscionable and beyond short-sighted. ALL we can do about it at this point is to write our legislators and *insist* that THEIR support protecting “pre-existing” conditions is essential (or else?)

      YES – they all think primarily about their own careers and bank accounts, and if enough of us link our votes to health care for ALL Americans – and let them KNOW that is what it will take to be re-elected – we most certainly could get it done.

      The most important thing, however, is for YOU is to remain stable. You can help no one if you are at either end of a bipolar swing. (I know you know that – I’m just underscoring it).

      Our health care system is broken – and it will take ALL of us who see that clearly and care enough to DO something about it to take action — so that it can be fixed. Thanks so much for reading and ringing in.
      xx,
      mgh

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. Christy B says:
    Friday, September 1, 2017 at 1:29 pm

    Your noted statistic that 1 in 5 people in first-world countries receive a mental health diagnosis and that this number increases for poorer countries speaks to the necessity of your work here and in the community, Madelyn. The stigma continues but by continuing to share information about the conditions you are hopefully saving lives xx Thank you again for including the link to the post at my blog. A Friday hug to you xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  12. usathroughoureyes says:
    Friday, September 1, 2017 at 10:18 am

    Suicide is such an important topic Madelyn and one that we have been deeply aware of for as long as can be remembered. Mental health is so important and one that unfortunately carries so many stigmas. The numbers as you well point out should scream to the world of its importance.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  13. First Night Design says:
    Friday, September 1, 2017 at 7:42 am

    This subject really hits the spot for me at the moment as both my ex (probably ADHD) and my nephew (diagnosed ADHD) keep threatening it. In addition, my nephew is in hospital after crashing his motorbike. Oy, life!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  14. J-Dub says:
    Friday, September 1, 2017 at 7:17 am

    Reblogged this on J-Dubs Grin and Bear It and commented:
    On this first day of September, getting the word out. Thank you Madelyn for providing this information.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  15. helentastic67 says:
    Friday, September 1, 2017 at 6:00 am

    A lot of God-Talk but the statistics are awful. And if someone associated to the church can in any way change lives for the better for young homosexuals this is great! Cheers,H

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, MCC, SCAC says:
      Friday, September 1, 2017 at 5:19 pm

      That was my thinking as well, Helen, and why I included the video. NOT every Christian misinterprets “God’s laws” and uses them for an excuse for judgment and hateful behavior toward their fellow man.

      Not sure if they really GET the idea that “God loves you” is not particularly motivating for non-believers, but at least it is clear that SOMEBODY cares.

      A lot of kids who contemplate suicide are “over-trolled,” ostracized at school and from religion-based youth groups — especially LGBTQ teens. I wanted to include something for them.
      xx,
      mgh

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. says:
    Friday, September 1, 2017 at 3:04 am

    Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:

    Madelyn Griffith Haynie with some sobering statistics as we head into Suicide Awareness Month.. 800,000 men, women and children commit suicide in the world. That is one person every 40 seconds or in the time you will have read this introduction to Madelyn’s post.

    Mental illness comes in many forms and it is often the denial, misdiagnosis and importantly the lack of acceptance from those we love around us which results in the final act of desperation.

    This week in the UK two children committed suicide. Exam results and lack of acceptance for a young girl who knew she was a boy. When you have known someone who has committed suicide and found it so difficult to understand how they could end their life because they could see not future, it brings guilt that you did not see, understand or help in some way.

    By reading Madelyn’s article and spreading awareness of this epidemic you might encourage someone to speak up and get help.. you might save a life.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    mgh added white space (double returns between paragraphs) to help with readability for those who struggle with longer strings of text; words unchanged

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, MCC, SCAC says:
      Friday, September 1, 2017 at 3:19 pm

      Thank you for another great intro to another reblog of content here, Sally. Those poor kids! I have such empathy for their loved ones.

      The suicide statistics are daunting, aren’t they. I’ve been close but I’ve never been there. I wish science knew more about what makes the difference – I’m sure they would if we dedicating more FUNDING to finding out. ::sigh::
      xx,
      mgh

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. boundlessblessingsblog says:
    Friday, September 1, 2017 at 2:15 am

    Wonderful read, Madelyn and so very true and encouraging and inspiring write up. Suicide as you rightly said is a most selfish act and why must we think on those lines. Our Lord has not given us such a bad life that we need to think like this and for what. People who are not satisfied with anything and today youngsters are so technology crazy at every little reason they are fed up of their lives and think of nothing but suicide. Thanks so much for this awesome post and share Madelyn. Humanities eyes need to be open to all what you have so nicely written.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  18. easyweimaraner says:
    Friday, September 1, 2017 at 2:14 am

    our neighbor decided a couple of years ago to finish his life (depressions)… and his early death (31) is still a warning for me to see the signs and to find help before we see no other way…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  19. blondieaka says:
    Friday, September 1, 2017 at 12:52 am

    A very thought provoking post-Madeline and I have been guilty in the past and I am trying desperately to stop but I have thought suicide is a selfish act…An act which doesn’t consider how the ones left behind will feel. Will feel about not having been able to help that person. I suppose that then comes down to being more aware and kind when a person is feeling low. The conclusion I have reached is awareness needs to be two-fold which is what you are saying we all need to be more aware as if someone breaks a leg they have a cast, mental illness you cannot see there is no visible plaster or bandage.. A very good post Madeline.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, MCC, SCAC says:
      Friday, September 1, 2017 at 1:30 am

      Thank you so much – great comment. I agree, suicide IS a selfish act when we look though the eyes of those left behind. STILL, we cannot imagine the pain of the person driven to do it nonetheless.

      Sometimes the pain is mental and sometimes physical – but I doubt that any but a small percentage kill themselves without having struggled for quite a long time, facing more than they believe they can continue to endure, before they actually DO it.

      A kick in the gut at that time, and over the edge they tumble. That’s basically the message of suicide prevention awareness.

      Bullied teens, of course, are more impulsive and require a carefully kind approach, and probably professional help – a positive comment (or several) is unlikely to make much difference or stay their hands. But that needn’t stop us from offering them.

      Thanks for reading and ringing in.
      xx,
      mgh

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. Mr. Militant Negro says:
    Friday, September 1, 2017 at 12:28 am

    Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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