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Suicide in California I read was around 3,300 annually based from 1997-2007. That is devastating. And also self harm and suicide attempts are on the rise all over as we hear of things about bullying and cyber bullying. Even though there was a drop in the amount of suicides in Southern California (Orange County) we as people need to care about what is happening around us.
The California government issued health insurance (Medical or CalOptima) removed adult mental health services from its coverage. This is not a good move, as mental health is also critical for the well being of families and also for parents and people in general to work and improve their circumstance financially.
As far as I think the entire world's population has at least one diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness. Sorry if that is harsh sounding, but think about it. Who is normal? Stress itself can cause illness.
Here is a site with general information for those needing help or those interested in helping prevent suicides.
American Association of Suicidology: "Suicide Prevention is Everyone's business"
Suicide rates in the US are mostly in the state of California:
1999-2009 San Diego, San Bernadino, and Riverside have the highest suicide rates. Forth highest suicide rates being in Orange County and fifth Imperial County.
California Suicide Prevention Network for Southern California Counties
This just posted recently in 2012:
San Diego's high suicide rates and also how to get help.
http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/8862
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Everybody feels down sometimes...
Christian perspective and helpful suggestions :)
Something I remember in low moments is myself as a baby, a child, who I really am, who God created I am. I try to think about positive moments especially in childhood... photographs help... like a photograph of me showing my easter basket with plastic eggs and I remember the joy of finding those treats as if I just peered underneath that bush again in the backyard. Happy places in memory and fight through the bad places in memory far or recent... fight -imagine fighting the bad incident away not causing harm, but resolving the pain. Remember that Jesus is with you as he said, "I am with you always..." Remember that Jesus was with you in good and bad times and try to understand that God doesn't control others' wrong actions... but is there to help and help also with memories. Remember you are not what others decide you are, only who you really are... a child a creation made in God's holy wonderful good image... how amazing we are made to resemble God himself.
Other thoughts to try to have in low moments...
Think about or look and watch nature and peace and little animals and birds or butterflies.
Remind yourself to Just breathe if that is all you can do to get through the moment and it is okay or even at times good to cry and release.
Do not drive if you can help it when you are feeling too low. Instead walk around the block, it helps a lot!
Here's natural health tips for depression... I have read (you can verify with a nutritionist or search online...) bananas are the only food containing serotonin. Excercise is good because you are not just sitting dormant in thought but can walk or run, feel the breeze or even the rain. Walk safe and carefully around cars no matter how low you feel... It is just a moment that WILL PASS!
Be careful about choosing to take medications as the outcome is not always the best solution, though medication should not be ruled out, be monitored closely and carefully by your doctor. Eat well, or if you are too depressed stay hydrated, juices, protein drinks, chocolate milk.. you get the idea.
Avoid drugs and alcohol... does not help, makes life more difficult and for many exasperates depression and other mental health problems.
Read biblical scripture, feel worth by looking at yourself like God smiles down at you.
Go to God... a secret place with him and you will be under his protection.
Seek counsel and reach out to trusted friends and family... sometimes even just talking about the day helps you out of your low mood.
I would pray for anyone if needed. Just comment a request anonymously is fine. I care whoever you are and have battled many low moments in my life. God bless.
Like my friend said about struggles in general... Keep on Keeping on. And in a down moment it is okay to vent out hurts, sadness, frustrations and anger try not to hurt others in the process but vent out the aggression in a healthy way...
A friend and I recently shared this conversation...
"It's like I am swimming fully clothed... always drowning... trying to get in the boat from the water."
I joked like I was trying to get into the Titanic and I can't... and she declared and it's sinking.
This was healthy venting of anger and frustration... of course I have vented badly many times too.. Lord forgive me and sorryies need to be said... but it happens, just try not to. God loves you, fight a good fight. Life is tough. Life is beautiful. Life is a gift. Life CAN last eternity. But you cannot! cannot! cannot give up. Keep alive and let bad moments pass.
Emergency:
Read Psalm 91:1 (911)
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
While
searching online this scripture appeared and I don't know how it did,
but I, years ago thought of it as my favorite... Hebrews 1-13... here's
some scripture for reading.
Hebrews 13
Let brotherly love continue.
2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
5 Let
your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such
things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor
forsake thee.
6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing
that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not
profited them that have been occupied therein.
12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
15 By
him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually,
that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Recommended scripture:
Listen to scripture and rest in His peaceful presence. Psalm 91
(http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Ps.91.1)
Listen: James 1
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Jas.1.2
