Commit to Living: Facebook Fights Against Suicide

"Ordinary concerns, such as work or friends, have no place here. Futility muffles thought; time elongates cruelly. Who is to blame for this situation? Those with depression think it must be them. Pointlessness and self-loathing govern them. So the natural final step is suicide. People with depression don’t kill themselves to frighten an errant boyfriend. They kill themselves because it is the obvious and right thing to do at that point. It is the only positive step they can think of."
-- Kay McKallan Ipswich general practitioner and consumer with depression, writing in the British Medical Journal

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Facebook Fights Against Suicide

I logged on to Facebook this morning, looking for groups who recognized suicide in various ways. I found over 500 groups.

Four guys, One destination, One mission: Suicide Prevention

Alive Campaign

"On November 4th 2007 at 8:20 PM in Waco Texas we made this vow. Now that we have had 250,000 people join this group Justin Brown, Kyle Ferguson, Nathan Lloyd, Andi Nakasone and Brent Gattis will bicycle to Anchorage Alaska from Baylor University in Waco Texas. Let us break the silence and become a voice! Let's change the world, by changing one life at a time!"

-- within their group application, this group of individuals listed this link -- http://www.halfofus.com/ -- which directs users to halfofus.com which has various celebs and non-celebs discussing their issues.

For more groups...please visit Facebook.com

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What if I or someone I know is in crisis?

If you are thinking about harming yourself, or know someone who is, tell someone who can help immediately.

Call your doctor.
Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room to get immediate help or ask a friend or family member to help you do these things.
Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to talk to a trained counselor.
Make sure you or the suicidal person is not left alone.

To help a friend or relative:

Offer emotional support, understanding, patience and encouragement.
Engage your friend or relative in conversation, and listen carefully.
Never disparage feelings your friend or relative expresses, but point out realities and offer hope.
Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your friend's or relative's therapist or doctor.
Invite your friend or relative out for walks, outings and other activities. Keep trying if he or she declines, but don't push him or her to take on too much too soon. Although diversions and company are needed, too many demands may increase feelings of failure.
Remind your friend or relative that with time and treatment, the depression will lift.

Warning signs of suicide include:

- Talking about suicide
- Statements about hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness
- Preoccupation with death
- Suddenly happier and/or calmer
- Loss of interest in things one cares about
- Setting one’s affairs in order, and/or giving things away

Research ALSO shows that risk factors for suicide include:

depression and other mental disorders, or a substance-abuse disorder (often in combination with other mental disorders). More than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have these risk factors.
stressful life events, in combination with other risk factors, such as depression. However, suicide and suicidal behavior are not normal responses to stress; many people have these risk factors, but are not suicidal.
prior suicide attempt
family history of mental disorder or substance abuse
family history of suicide
family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
firearms in the home, the method used in more than half of suicides
incarceration
exposure to the suicidal behavior of others, such as family members, peers, or media figures.

Where Can I Go For Help?

If you are unsure where to go for help, ask your family doctor. Others who can help are listed below.

Mental Health Resources:

Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
Health maintenance organizations
Community mental health centers
Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
Mental health programs at universities or medical schools
State hospital outpatient clinics
Family services, social agencies or clergy
Peer support groups
Private clinics and facilities
Employee assistance programs
Local medical and/or psychiatric societies
You can also check the phone book under "mental health," "health," "social services," "hotlines," or "physicians" for phone numbers and addresses. An emergency room doctor also can provide temporary help and can tell you where and how to get further help.