It is true that white men have the highest risk of attempting suicide. Women and teens have had reported attempts as well.
No one is excluded from the possibility!
A young white man that I used to baby sit when I was a teenager, committed suicide at the age of 21 right when I came out of pharmacy school.
I had a cultural eye opener a few summers ago when 2 suicides of young black men occurred within 1 week & I experienced the community fall out surrounding those 2 incidents.
Just this summer, I had an older white female patient commit suicide.
That is a diverse pool of people!
For My Health Monday, I am bringing awareness on Rx Fitness Lady for the observance of “World Suicide Prevention Day” tomorrow, September 10th. You can click the link to get a wealth of information or here for the prevention lifeline.
My friend Carla over at Real Into advised us last week that if we want something pinned, that we better SAY SO and MAKE IT EASY TO DO! Every now and then I have a post, like this and “Oh No, I Think I’ve Been Poisoned” when I want you to make sure you hold on to the information.
PLEASE PIN THIS POST! You never know who might need this information, right at this moment.
As a pharmacists, I just wanted to briefly touch on the suicide risk associated with the use of Antidepressant medicines.
Several people use SSRIs commonly known as: Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Zoloft, and others.
Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. I dispense a truck load of antidepressants so if you think you are battling depression, please don’t be fearful of seeking treatment. I like my job and am happy to service you. That is what the medication was made for.
PLEASE DON’T SIT ON THE SIDELINE BECAUSE YOUR CULTURE TELLS YOU TO JUST PRAY ABOUT IT!!! Yes I’m talking to my own people!!!
Back to business…
A FEW TIPS FROM THE MEDICATION GUIDE
- These medications may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults when the medicine is first started.
- Some people may have particularly higher risk if their is a family history or current diagnosis of bipolar disorder or suicidal thoughts or actions
- Watch for & prevent suicidal thoughts and actions by paying close attention to any changes, ESPECIALLY SUDDEN changes in; mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings – VERY IMPORTANT WHEN MEDICATION IS FIRST STARTED!
- Keep all follow visits with healthcare providers
- NEVER stop an antidepressant without first talking to a healthcare provider!
On a lighter note…
This portion of the post is for Kim’s September Sapphire Even Day Blog Challenge!
Yesterday’s prompt – Guffaw: Discuss 2 blogs you read that always force a belly laugh out of you & Why?
Kita at Say what U wanna hands down has been making me laugh since the day I started blogging! She has funny conversations on Fridays! The thing about Kita’s blog, is she keeps it 100 in EVERY SINGLE POST! I mean seriously, in her blog banner are the words; Really doh, side-eye, and SHAT…Enough said! Check her out!
She doesn’t do pictures, so just trust me and visit her please!
My sincerest sympathy goes out to any reader who has had to deal with the affects of a suicide.
As usual, for a My Health Monday post, please take heed to my disclaimer.
Rx Fitness Lady wants to know…
- If you read other blogs, what is a blog that makes you laugh?
- What do you think the top reason or reasons are for people attempting, pondering, or committing suicide?
Rx Fitness Lady
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Such an important topic always Joi. Thank you for sharing this, because everyone needs to know that there is always help available.-Ashley
thedoseofreality recently posted…The Dose Girls’ First Blogiversary & Giveaway To Our Readers!
Always! Thanks Ashley!
This is definitely an important topic — thanks for sharing it. Funny blogs…I linked up today too! I’ll check your pick out! If you like her, I am sure I will too!
Michelle recently posted…Laugh Out Loud Funny Blogs to Brighten Your Day
I saw yours! Of course the Dose Girls are on everyone’s list!
I had no idea about suicide prevention day. Thanks for bringing this often shied away from topic to light!! Thankfully I’ve never had to deal with this personally and I’m so sorry that you have!
On the lighter side – blogs like Shitastophy and One Classy Motha – make me laugh out loud every time!! Can’t wait to check out Say What U Wanna – sounds like my kind of blog!
Allie recently posted…WHAT DO YOU DO WITH…
Thank you so much for the shout out girl I appreciate it so much. I lost 4 family members back to back including my rocks my grandmother and mother. Instead of suicide I went from 110 lbs to 240 lbs which is another form of suicide especially being 5’2. People kill themselves internally a lot also. They are alive but not living. I was like that for quite some years and writing has helped me tremendously. I say if things get down find a passion and do it put your all into it suicide has no color or sex.
Kita recently posted…Mornings are not my thing
Such an important point Kita! Thank you so much for raising the issue of internal suicide to go along with this!
Thanks for bringing this to our attention Joi. It’s a really important issue and I’m glad we can benefit from your expertise. Pinned!
FitBritt@MyOwnBalance recently posted…2013 US Open and the Top Five Reasons to Love Tennis
Beautiful post. A very dear subject for me. Sharing.
Andrea recently posted…How Relationships are Like Politics
Funny blogs? The Dose of Reality, of course! My parent’s friend killed himself when I was a kid. It wasn’t in front of his two young daughters, but it was in the garage when they were in the house. To this day, I’ll never understand it.
I think it was mental illness in his case. I suppose people do it when they feel there is no way out of their darkness or whatever they feel locked into.
Tamara recently posted…Ask Away Friday with Brittnei from HomeMaking with Style.
Your title on my feed sort of scared me – I think as a parent that this is something we pray we never experience!!! Thank you for sharing this info on such a difficult topic!
Kim recently posted…The Master Calendar
Yeah, I was going for shocking in effort to spread the word. Thanks Kim!
What a fantastic post. You are so right about our culture not really taking depression seriously and advising to pray about it…I agree that prayer should be involved but I also believe that there should be more done to prevent suicides as well.
Kita is my favorite funny blogger as well 🙂
I can’t pin from my phone but I will pin this when I get to a computer!
Nellie recently posted…Inspired by a 4 Year Old
You know I’m always gonna be honest with ya. Back in the day when I struggled with Bulimia I thought about death a lot. I don’t think I every thought about ways to committ suicide. But there were many many nights that I would pray that God would allow me to go to sleep and wake up in His glory. I didn’t want to live another day they way I was living.
Thankfully, those thoughts changed once I got into recovery and it has helped me be more sensitive to others who are in a position that leads them to suicide. I try to be as helpful as possible when I feel like someone needs a listening ear or a positive voice.
Prayerfully you made it out of that situation, praise God and I am so glad. Your blog was such a witness! I hope that you will still share a word on FB and IG!
The Dose Girls always make me laugh!
Such an important message! Pinned! Pinned! Pinned!
Carla recently posted…How to Expand Your Wardrobe On a Tight Budget
Wow, Joi, reading that felt a bit like a hammer into the stomach! Thank you for bringing more awareness to this issue!
BTW, did you do a site redesign? It looks great!
evilcyber recently posted…Perfect Pushup Vs. Hands: Which Is Better?
Thanks, I made some changes 🙂
WOW! I was a little taken aback when I saw your title on the link-up for the “blogs that make you laugh” challenge. But I rode the wave and it all came together. Nicely done. Suicide seems so prevalent these days especially among celebrities, i.e., Gia Allemand (which happened in New Orleans) and Lee Thompson Young just days apart.
I read Kita’s blog too. She’s funny. I’ll be pinning your post. Thanks for sharing, my friend.
Kimberly H. Smith recently posted…They Broke My Funny Bone
I’m so sorry to hear about the young man you used to babysit, as well as the other young men. You are so RIGHT about the black community turning it’s back to illnesses and thinking that we don’t need to seek medical help to fix things. I believe in seeking professional help/counseling whenever you feel it’s needed. I had a co worker that was suicidal and made a few failed suicide attempts…so sad.
Sherelle recently posted…Peace And Blogging Are One And The Same
Thanks Sherelle! That is horrible when attempts occurs multiple times. It breaks my heart to see hopelessness.
i’ve actually directly known at least a handful of people who have committed suicide. they were all amazingly brilliant people who probably felt like they could not fully relate to others.
Thanks Joi for the important information.
Mo at Mocadeaux recently posted…Gals That make Me Laugh
Pinned! This really is an important topic…thankfully I’ve never directly known someone who committed suicide, but I do know that it’s devastating to the remaining family and friends. On the lighter side, I know that The Dose Girls and Rants from Mommyland are always good for a laugh!
Leslie recently posted…It’s Definitely Monday
I have known a few people when I was growing up, as well as a few clients of mine who have committed suicide. Just so sad, but we can’t hide it and need to get educated. Thanks for bringing it out in the open. You likely have reached someone that needed to hear your message.
Leah Davidson recently posted…Lighthouses and Quote of the Week
I hope so Leah! Thanks!
Thanks Joi for passing this very important message. Someone who may suicidal may not ask for help but that doesn’t mean that help isn’t wanted. Recognizing the sign like a sudden change in their behavior and taking them seriously can start prevention. Don’t hesitate to bring up the subject. Talking openly about their feelings and suicidal thought can save a life.
Honeybee recently posted…Weight Loss Success Story: How Elizabeth Lost 150 Pounds
A well needed heads-up, Joi. Thanks for shedding light on this topic. I know I have had such thoughts in the past. Therapy and counseling are useful as well as medication. As much as I am an intercessor and believe in the power of prayer, we do people a disservice when we discourage them, openly or subtly, from receiving help. God helps those who help themselves, or who let others help them, in this case.
Alison Hector recently posted…Bearing good fruit
Such an important topic Joi – and your words are perfect – about not being ashamed. I would pray that anyone with these thoughts would get help.
Ilene recently posted…The Familiar
Hey Joi! So sorry to hear about the young man you once babysat! Suicide is a very serious problem in our community! We’ve been taught as a society to be ashamed of and shun those who deal with depression and the likes. My younger cousin’s husband committed suicide back in February(only 26 years old). From what I was told, he had been dealing with depression for awhile(of course no one outside of his immediate family knew this), which I’m sure prevented him from getting the help he needed. People commit suicide because they’re hopeless Joi. The Bible says in Proverbs 13:12…”hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life”. Unfortunately in some cases, the person has their mind made up already and the only One who can rescue them is Jesus! Thanks so much for bringing light to this subject my friend…have a blessed evening!
Michell recently posted…Michell’s Weekly Pearl
I pray that the AA community specifically would have a more open mind to depression and other psychological diseases.
I loooove this post. I don’t love the topic but its one of those things that must be addressed! I think you did an amazing job. I will def be pinning this. You know I’m still a therapist at heart so this post was extra special to me!!!!
Toya recently posted…Wedding… Another list!!!! lol
I commend you for writing this post about suicide, Joi. It’s a topic that not many people are open to discussing. My background is in counseling, so this is something I have studied a bit…and I believe the research. Many people resort to suicide when they feel they have no other options/way out. Anyone going through a rough time/depression can be prone.
Kimberly {Manifest Yourself} recently posted…What is fear?
Joi this is such a serious topic and still very taboo for some to discuss. I must say I am so thankful and blessed to have a family that raised me to know and love God. Because of my faith, I personally have never considered. Depression is a beast. I often pray for those battling to find peace and understanding that only comes through letting go and letting God. Keep up the good work.
Veronica @My Finessed Life recently posted…Here Today Went to Maui Part 3: Zip Lining
Thank you for writing this post. The subject of suicide is considered taboo in many African American communities. Therefore, I believe that many people are embarrassed to admit that depression is a problem. With more awareness, hopefully, those in need will step forth and get the needed help. Like many things, awareness is so important.
On a lighter note, your posts often make me laugh. Right now, I’m thinking of the post you wrote on a night at the pharmacy. Have a great evening, my friend!
Ha ha, all the laughs at my expense 🙂 Thanks Trinity!
You are right, awareness is key especially in our community!
It’s sad that there are still so many people out there who are afraid of saying that they suffer from depression. I hope that some day more people would be less ashamed of this.
blackhuff recently posted…Traps are strong
I think the most common reasons for suicide are illness, lost of a love one, debt and love affairs gone wrong. This was an excellent post with the number included in case someone has the thought of Suicide, they can have this number at their fingertip to call for help. It just might save a life or two. Very helpful post Dr. Jones!!!
Such an important post. I was close to 2 people who committed suicide. My mind always try to imagine the hopelessness that they felt to justify suicide. It’s such a permanent solution to a temporary problem. I always say, you keep living, things are bound to change…but you’ve gotta keep living to find out.
I really like Kita’s blog…I tend to vacillate between the blog and the mag.
Kudos to you for pulling on suicide and humor in the same blog 🙂
Hope recently posted…Master of No Terrain: Well, maybe just one (Race Recap)
I always say, you keep living, things are bound to change…but you’ve gotta keep living to find out.<
Very important piece. I just listened to a podcast this weekend that talked about suicide. A study of who and why. I was amazed to find out that most suicides occur within minutes of the first impulse to do it. Such a small amount of time! I hope that your posts reaches someone who needs it!
Christine at More Than Mommies recently posted…The 9/11 Museum: Will You Take Your Children?
That is alarming. My prayers are that it did reach the intended recipient. Thanks for commenting Christine!
Joi
Depression is no joke! I know a few people who are on anidepressants, and everyday is a challenge for them. My prayers go out to all of them, people who are dealing with depression and the family members who are not sure what to do next.
KalleyC recently posted…9/11 Never Forget
I would say that hopelessness would be a big reason people would be at the point. Of course it’s other things, mental illness, depression, finances lots of things. Good post Joi, I will pin this to my health board. Kita has me LOL all the time. She makes us laugh based on her life, she doesn’t have to laugh at other people or celebrities.
Whitney recently posted…Pinterest Wednesday
I’m headed over to check out your friend’s blog right now…
And thanks for addressing this topic. I have not been affected by suicide in terms of losing someone close to me, but a few boys I grew up with took their own lives (separately). Looking back, I can’t imagine what they’re parents went through. 🙁 So sad.
XOXO,
Meredith
Meredith recently posted…You Won’t BEE-lieve it! **Plus A Reveal**