Recognizing Signs of Suicide

If you were to check dictionary.com and look up the definition of "health" you will find the first definition as this one:

1. The general condition of the body or mind with reference to soundness and vigor.

Usually the first thing that comes to mind when we think of heath is a fit body. We are conditioned as a society to see images of athletes as the epitome of health, and when it comes to the physical aspect of it they are. What we tend to ignore at times is mental heath, the emotional health necessary to function in this highly stressed out world. As a society we also sometimes see depression or the inability to deal with unbearable amounts of stress as a weakness, this isn't so.

Our brains are a complex network of neurons and chemicals that regulate our whole bodies, but also our moods. Sometimes there may be chemical imbalances that lead to depression and/or bi-polar tendencies. Other times life just gets so hard that the average person just has a very hard time dealing with the load they feel is crushing them - this is no less serious than an actual chemical imbalance and clinical depression.

Either way, life can seem bleak and impossible to the individual who is going through either extreme stress or biological depression. It is important to recognize the signs that your loved one may need help. Here are a few:

• Depression.
• Change in habits.
• Irritability: The person may seem excessively irritable and unable to focus.
• Anger: Excessive anger or outbursts.
• Low Self Esteem.
• Withdrawing from loved ones, friends and family.
• Feeling like nothing will change and they are trapped and helpless.
• Lack of interest in usual activities or hobbies.
• Lack of sexual interest.
• Drug or Alcohol Abuse.
• Talking about death or dying. Expressing an interest to end their life.
• Giving away prized possessions.
• Recent loss: of loved one through death, divorce, breakup, a job or other important thing in their life.

These are signs that someone you know is going through a very dark time in their life. They may have a sign or two or all of the above, know they are not always a cluster of signs but the one or two that the individual exhibits is serious enough to recognize something is seriously wrong.

Often when we face this we don't think the person we love would be capable of taking their own life, however we need to understand that this dark mental place is very unique and we must understand that it is a serious situation. In no way should a person blame themselves if this happens, but you can also never be too careful when it comes to leading a loved one to help.

Also know that to the suicidal individual this is the only way out. Many feel anger at the selfishness of the person who ends their own life, but in their darkness they see their passing often as a good thing, in their mind it will be better for their loved ones if they are gone. Being aware that this is the way a depressed and suicidal individual sees their warped reality gives us the understanding that they are capable of ending it all.

Suicide hotlines not only offer support for the suicidal individual but also can provide a concerned friend or family member with the correct tools and point to the right direction to find help.

Here are a few numbers to call:

1-800-Suicide
1-800-273-8255
If you are feeling suicidal you can call 911 and tell them so. They will send help.

Websites:

www.hopeline.com
www.dbsalliance.org
www.contactwecare.org
www.thetrevorproject.org (helping the LBGTQ youth if you are Lesbian, Bi, Gay, Transgender or Questioning or know someone who is and is suicidal or in crisis, this is their focus)


Never hesitate to help, even if you think someone is 'crying wolf'. Even if this is the case they are crying for help, and never ever feel it is your fault if it is too late.

Mind, Body and the Marathon

Aching finger joints, an incredibly sore throat, heavy head and pain in the palms of my hands. Discomfort and extreme pain, I do nothing to stop this, I actually do more and more to make it worse. This is pain ''on purpose''.

Who would purposefully do this? Why would anyone seek this pain in any way?

Who? Why, every single one of us who have spent no less than an hour at the side of the road as the Miami Marathon 2010 runners run by. Each one of us standing to the side there because we have a hero, a runner putting themselves through something so intense yet so satisfying. Not only do we cheer on the person we came to see, but each and every one of those runners end up being 'our' runner.

The pain, satisfaction, intensity, focus and suffering etched on the faces of the thousands of runners who pass by make this an experience not only for them but for us. I can't compare in any way the minimal discomfort that I am feeling by slapping my hands together and screaming words of encouragement for hours - some runners not even noticing but for those who look up in pain and nod, or say 'Thank you' it makes every second worth it. I know, I have raced, I know the shot of adrenalin that you get from a friendly word and smile and it means so much. Its what gets you through those last few yards, feet and steps as your body screams and begs for you to stop, the words "YOU GO GIRL! YOU CAN DO IT!" acting like a super drug that lets you finish strong.

Unfortunately due to knee problems I will not know what it is like to run a Marathon, and that is just fine. Being the #1 Support Team for my Marathon runner is a source of pride, always making sure he has everything he needs nutritionally for weeks, getting the gear and pre and post race supplements and items, driving him home after he showed me the strength of his mind and body.

Any race is a mind game, the number one obstacle in our way either leading us to failure or to depths of will power no one knew they had. The difference between that woman dragging herself to the finish line, someone who weighs no less than 185 lbs and is no taller than I (5'3") and someone who says they can't do it is just the brain. SHE is my hero, she has conquered the biggest obstacle she can, the part of her brain that tells her not to do it, to quit, to stop because she is tired. I was amazed at the difference in the physical landscape that were the runners. For the most part most were doing the half Marathon (trust me 13.1 is half of nothing - its FAR) they came in all shapes and sizes, all ages from young teens to adults that were no younger than 75. Some walked it in, some jogged it in, and for those who were finishing the full, some almost crawled it in.

No matter what, each person who passed the finish line gave themselves a gift that many of us don't give ourselves. That would be the words "I can!"

Tears well up as I scream and clap for the runners, those super heroes each and every one. The pride I feel is not only for my runner bur I feel as much pride for each and every single one of them. I told my Superman that next year, even if I walk it I will give myself the gift of "I can" and get my knees through that 1/2 Marathon, even if I do it in the same time as he does his full.

For now, I nurse my aching hands and throat, happy that I got that smile, that nod, and even a high five from the heroes I cheered on! Thank YOU for showing me the power of "I can". Through you we all learn a lesson.

Next year "We can". Who is with me?