Tuesday, September 11th
Seven Days of Refection for
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week
Thoughts on Losing a Child to Suicide
DayTHREE : One in four are affected by some mental health disorder. Less than 40% seek treatment. Lack of treatment or delayed treatment can result in poor performance in school or work, problem with relationships, physical ailments, homelessness, incarceration and most horrific, SUICDE. If someone had a broken bone, they would go to a doctor. If someone had a heart condition, they would go to a doctor. If someone had cancer, they would go to a doctor. Why is it that less than 40% of those affected by mental health disorders seek help? STIGMA: The fear and embarrassment of discrimination and judgment due to a biological brain-based illness. When we present Coming Up for AIR™, our educational program, to students, we realize they all know this. No one wants to be made fun of. No one wants to put themselves at risk of being bullied. Kenny was embarrassed by his illness and told peers that he had mononucleosis for over three years. I ask everyone to make an effort to understand what living with a mental health issue is like, how difficult it is. I ask everyone to make an effort to not judge others. Not be so critical of each other. Let’s try to make an effort to understand what others are going through and to be more compassionate and empathetic. Instead of cruel harsh words of criticism, please offer a helping hand. You just never know when YOU may need the helping hand.
