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...

In 1987, a small group of caring individuals had a vision: establish a private source of support for suicide research and education, and essential suicide prevention efforts could be sustained into the future. These founding families—each of whom had lost a someone to suicide—joined with scientists to create what today is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, or AFSP. Many of our original founders were concerned about an alarming rise in youth suicide over the previous four decades. During this period, the suicide of young men had tripled while for young women it had doubled. Suicide is currently the third leading cause of death among young people age 15 to 24. The highest overall rates of suicide are for adults age 40 to 59. Before AFSP, there was no national-scope not-for-profit organization dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy. Since its founding in 1987, AFSP has: Mobilized and connected tens of...

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...