September Is Suicide Prevention Month

It's the end of the month. Financially, September 30th is the year end for many corporate and governments entities. We also enter into the last quarter of the year. That means the holidays are coming😱😱😱 Many "holidays" occur on this date like "National Love People Day". Most important to me,  September is known as Suicide Prevention Month. With everything going on in the news and social media, there was virtually no mention of this very important time of the year. I've lost many classmates to suicide, and I've always lamented over their deaths. For those who have lost loved ones, I can only imagine the range of emotions that you go through. In researching for my mindfulness blogposts, the goal is to focus your energy internally to be in the present moment. However, suicide prevention focuses on connecting with others. Watching human behavior and recognizing changes in them is key to recovery. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests you look out for changes in your loved one's behavior like:

• Increases their use of alcohol or drugs or starts to behave recklessly, such as driving while intoxicated or without a seat belt.
• Has extreme mood swings, from euphoria to the depths of depression or appears agitated, expresses rage or talks about seeking revenge.
• Sleeps too much or too little or withdraws or isolates from others.
• Appears to be in unbearable psychological pain or talks about being hopeless or a burden to friends or family, or talks about feeling trapped or having no reason to live.
• Begins to search online for ways to kill themselves, such as buying a gun or obtaining medical prescriptions.
• Begins to give away prized possessions or visits or calls to say goodbye.

Many organizations have listed resources online for symptom recognition. Therapists can assist with exploring the root causes for individuals who are not coping well with life or have expressed the desire to harm themselves. The key ingredient is you. Are you checking on family and friends? Is there someone who has been on your mind? Have you noticed subtle/drastic changes in those around you? Does your workplace have programs in place? Your school? Your church? Do you belong to a support circle or an accountability group? You can't save the world, but you can give someone the hope and strength to keep going. People can move forward and get through the situations that they think they can't overcome. 

Key Questions To Ask Yourself: 

• Is there a history of illness? 
  
• Was there a recent loss? 
  
• Is there a belief system that honors personal sacrifice?
  
• Can they get a weapon? 
  
• Did the person survive a suicide attempt? 

As we prepare to increase our mindfulness,  let's also incorporate mental health awareness into our schedules. It is shocking how thin the line is between the two. While we are in quarantine, let's strive to improve the quality of our lives and the lives around us.  Let's continue to press towards the mark of the high calling and live our best life. The purple life. Please share your comments below. Thank you for reading  this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, masked and stay healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!