You Are Not Alone

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Suicide? Ugh - no, we don't want to talk (or write) about that... but it is Suicide Awareness Month, and many have or will lose loved ones in their lifetime. According to the CDC, suicide is in the top 9 leading causes of death for people between the ages of 10 to 64. It is the second cause of death for those between 10-14 and 20-34. Ugh!!
Having two children under the age of ten with suicide losses on both sides of our family (which raises statistical odds), we are very cautious about how and when and why we talk about this. They know how our relatives died, but they do not know details. We meet them where they are in their questions and understanding, and are very solution focused when it comes to mental hygiene and what works and what doesn't.
Here is my list of things that help, which I share with my husband, George, on the show, (along with a few things I forgot to say):
- Get Outside
- Get Some Sun
- Go For a Walk
- Change Your Temperature (hot/cold therapy)
- Animal Therapy
- Cuddles and Kisses (6 seconds to release seratonin - no quickies!)
- Eating healthy foods
- Eating healthy amounts
- Eating at appropriate times
- Exercise!!
- Prayer
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Reading Books that Improve Your Outlook
- Therapy
- Taking Prescription Medication as Prescribed by a doctor
- Vitamins
- Naps
- A good sleep at night (we are diurnal!)
- Spending more time with Great Influences
- Sharing with a friend
A few things that we joke about, but really don't necessarily help include "not getting out of bed all day" (unless those are doctor's orders - and even then, the goal is to get out of bed again!!); not exercising; overeating junk food; self medicating with drugs or alcohol as you wish; doomscrolling; watching or spending time with negative or horrific TV shows or influencers, and just generally not taking care of yourself.
The focus for mental health is "Good Orderly Direction." Try out any one of the things listed above - sometimes just sweepoing is good enough for today. If you are struggling, or know someone who is, remember you do not have to do this alone. Please reach out. The suicide hotline is 988, and you can find my contact below.
Remember, "Joy shared is double joy and sorrow shared is half sorrow." Reach out and touch someone! You are NOT alone.
PS - EDIT on the pastor story, I said "Florida," but it actually was North Carolina. The point of it is that terrible things can and will continue to happen in this world - we cannot control that, but we can control our response. We are praying for all those affected by this horrific event that is still unfolding, especially close friends and families. Our deepest condolences.

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