Love is the Movement, Part 2

Dissapointment, rejection, loss, humiliation, and low self esteem. These things can only begin to scratch the surface of what might lead one to feelings of depression or acts of suicide.

It is evident in our world today that suicide is a MAJOR concern. I do not know about you, but a strong arguement based on facts and statistics can bring me to a point of understanding the severity of something.

So what do we need to know about this tragic topic? Onlineschools.org shows us that:

• Over one million people worldwide commit suicide within a year.
• Another way to consider this is that one million people a year is equal to one death every 40 seconds.
• It is the second leading cause of death among 25-34 year olds in America.
• 2009 was the 12th straight year that more than 30,000 people committed suicide in Japan.
• The act of jumping out in front of a train has become so popular in Japan that train companies now charge the families of the victim for damages.

These statistics are daunting to consider and led me to take this subject much more seriously than I previously had. Looking at these statistics there is one word I would like to highlight, VICTIM. Maybe you have heard friends or acquaintances discussing a suicide. Some choose to call these people cowards and say that their choice to end it all makes them worthless.

Here is my view on this matter. If we are going to end depression and suicide, we have to look at ourselves. Those who do not speak up and provide a place for others to confide their thoughts and desires may ultimately be the cause of this epidemic. But it is also unfair for me to jump to this conclusion. We can help by knowing what signs to look for.

• Death of a family member or friend. The idea of someone you care about no longer being alive to experience things with you can have traumatic effects on person's mindset and emotions.
• Divorce and break ups. Whether a person is going through these things themselves, or if the person is a child having to deal with the sadness of seeing their parents split, divorce and break ups are very hard to deal with in the world we live in.
• Abuse. Knowing some who have been effected by abuse, it is extremely hard for me to even think about the suffering that occurs. If it is that hard for me, imagine how the person being abused feels! They likely are living in a personal "hell" so to speak.
• Financial setbacks. These tough economic times have worn out its welcome on all of us. Someone who may have once experienced job security and a prosperous life, may now be burdened by unemployment and a feeling of worthlessness if they are unable to provide for themselves or their families.

These obviously are not all of the warning signs to look for. The internet contains many resources  about what to look for in a person that may very well be depressed. I suggest looking into these so you can be there for someone that may need you to survive the trouble they currently face. I guess the reason I am writing this is in hopes of touching someones life to reach out to another person. To understand the pain someone else may be going through, and be strong enough to do something about it.

Being a religious person myself, I've always found comfort in the words written at 1 John 4:8, in which part of the scripture reads "God is love." Looking into the Bible and drawing close to those I care about has always helped me through tough times. Maybe this isn't the same for you.

What has helped you or someone you know get through a tough time in their life? Have you ever been able to be there for another person and help them in a time of depression? How did you do it?

All in all, I mainly wonder this. What are your thoughts on depression and suicide? Do you think the ideas mentioned above are beneficial? What would you suggest?

Love is the Movement

A new shirt I recently purchased has these words in large white letters on the front. Browsing the Internet a few weeks ago, I discovered the organization To Write Love On Her Arms for the first time.

I was moved by the story that describes the beginning of TWLOHA. I am sure the majority of us know someone who has suffered from depression, addiction, abuse, self injury or suicidal thoughts and the devastating act itself. I personally have battled my own demons with depression and know others who have been affected by the other things mentioned.

If you are like me you want these terrible things to stop, which is why I appreciate TWLOHA so much. Our support can bring about the possibility of a day where these these things will no longer be an option entertained by the inhabitants of this planet. Check out the link above and browse the site some if you never have. We can all find a way to help.

So what are some of the causes that lead to these problems? I want to spend the next few days looking at some of these problems.

I believe MSNBC summed it up best on the subject of bullying in an Ohio school. It is just baffling to see that this bullying problem was not effectively handled. How many kids must succumb to suicide before these bullies realize the damage they are causing? I appreciate the way Cartoon Network has stepped up to show kids how to Speak Up against those who bully others.

What are your views on bullying? Do you know anyone who was bullied? How did you handle the situation? What advice would you give to others witnessing someone being bullied?