Rock and Roll Saved My Soul

There is no single cause to suicide. It most often occurs when stressors exceed current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition. Risk Factors and Warning Signs:  What leads to suicide? There’s no single cause for suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. Yet it’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions go on to engage in life. Suicide Warning Signs: Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss...

What social stigma do you society need to get over? Sandy:  A few things that need to be taken are of is the LBGT community. They deserve so much more respect than they get. They are people just like all of us no matter what. They just like different people. Which there is nothing wrong with that at all. Sid:  Right now on the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. Suicide is preventable, but we can't do anything when people stay quiet out of shame or general loss of hope.  Kate: Honestly, for me, it's religion equating to good or bad. Not all Christians are good people. Not all Muslims are bad people. Actually, what religion you are has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not you are a good person. Either you are or you're not. Whether you're Christian, Muslim, Satanist. Atheist, etc. has nothing to do with it. Facebook Weighs in: Disabilities. Honestly, we're good people...we're just different. -Yvonne A. Mental ill...

Today we are lucky to have two guest columnists with us!  A message to those considering suicide:  Aisling:  I don't know your name. I don't know your story. I don't know your favorite color, or what you find exciting or boring. I do know that if you need me, I am here. I don't know your pain. I don't know your sorrow. I do know that your loved ones would want you to have every tomorrow. Suicide won't fix the problem. It may seem like your only escape. It may seem like you will always be in a dark place. I can tell you, because I know, years from now you'll look back on this. As you do you'll smile as you shed a tear or two & you'll realize that you made it. You are strong, not weak. You are loved, not alone. Suicide is not the answer. I don't know your story and I don't know your name. I do know that without you, life wouldn't be the same. Kate: I've been in your shoes before, many times. I know t...