By Virgie Rose
When John Brewer approached me about writing an article about mental health, mental illness and suicide, he was unaware that my daughter had called me that very morning to let me know that one of her childhood friends had taken her own life last week. Last year, on World Suicide Prevention Day, one of my granddaughter’s friends also took her life. This is a subject that many people are uncomfortable talking about – but it is critical that we do.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The first full week of September is National Suicide Prevention Week with September 10 being World Suicide Prevention Day. Mental Illness Awareness Week takes place every year during the first full week of October. 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition. 90% of people who die by suicide had shown symptoms of a mental health condition, according to interviews with family, friends and medical professionals.
Mental health conditions include anxiety disorder, ADHD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and depression. Some warning signs are excessive worrying, confused thinking, problems concentrating and learning, extreme mood changes and avoiding friends and social activities.
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. 1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year. 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14 and 75% by age 24. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 and the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 31% since 2001. A large percentage of people experiencing homelessness, incarceration, the juvenile justice system and veterans have a serious mental health condition. Worldwide 800,000 people die by suicide each year. For each death, there are an additional 25 attempts.
These are disturbing statistics!!! The theme “Worth Living For” was inspired by the conviction that together we can remind ourselves and each other that there is so much worth living for.
That is what we do in a program called CELEBRATE RECOVERY (CR). CR is a Christ-centered 12-step program for hurts, habits and hang-ups (i.e., anxiety, grief, depression, drugs, gambling, anger, sexual addiction, alcohol). We meet every Thursday evening at Open Door Fellowship Church, 285 Esperanza Rd., Coushatta. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we can no longer serve a meal but bring a “brown bag” and join us for dessert, coffee, tea and fellowship at 5:30 p.m. Large group meets at 6:00 p.m. and small group at 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact Justin Wiley (318-471-7889) or Virgie Rose (318-218-5853).
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