Please Support AFSP

I was hesitant about writing this post; not because I am ashamed of what happened, but because I don't want people asking questions. I very rarely share the cause of my uncles’ deaths and never tell strangers it happened. Most people are just curious but they don't know or understand the depth of the emotional pain; it truly is devastating. This post is in memory of my uncles who got lost along the way and left us too early. They were loved and will forever be in my heart and dreams. I wish I could have helped them find their way. The only consolation I try to hold on to is believing they are in a happier place. This post is also for those who struggle with life, the stigma of having a mental illness (and do not seek help) and to all those who did ask for help (but did not get it), my thoughts and prayers are with you.

It is unfortunate that there is a stigma attached to suicide. By supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), we can publicize the magnitude of the problems of depression and suicide, advocating for policies and legislation that can help prevent suicide and work to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. *SUICIDE IS PREVENTABLE*

You can support AFSP today by giving a generous donation; or if you are unable to donate at this time, there are many ways you can help by educating the public. Awareness is truly important. We have to alert the public about suicide and depression. Please visit AFSP for more information. Finally, see below for some alarming National Statistics:

* Over 33,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year.

* A person dies by suicide about every 16 minutes in the United States. An attempt is estimated to be made once every minute.

* Suicide is the fifth leading cause of death among those 5-14 years old; third leading cause of death among those 15-24 years old; and the fourth leading cause of death for adults between the ages of 18 and 65 years in the United States;

* Ninety percent of all people who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death.

* Risk factors for suicide among the young include suicidal thoughts, psychiatric disorders (such as depression, impulsive aggressive behavior, bipolar disorder, certain anxiety disorders), drug and/or alcohol abuse and previous suicide attempts, with the risk increased if there is situational stress and access to firearms.

* Over 60 percent of all people who die by suicide suffer from major depression. If one includes alcoholics who are depressed, this figure rises to over 75 percent.

* Depression is among the most treatable of psychiatric illnesses. Between 80 percent and 90 percent of people with depression respond positively to treatment, and almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms. But first, depression has to be recognized.

* Alcoholism is a factor in about 30 percent of all completed suicides.

** In Loving Memory of George (2000) and Greg (2006) **