So ... Tomorrow

I've read at least a million words today, and my eyes hurt. And I need to go to bed soon. But first I have to empty my dishwasher so I can fill it up again. So tonight's post is going to be short ... very short. But I promise to write a deep one tomorrow night ... yes, I used the famous "p" word so now I have to do it.

So ... tomorrow around noon or so, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is planning to post the video Brad and I and some friends from my office made on their Facebook page and Twitter. Our hope is that people who need to hear the message will click on the link and watch. Because those are the people we made the video for ... the ones who need it most. Our goal for Ears Wide Open? from the beginning was to raise awareness of depression and to offer hope to so many who feel there is no way out of the darkness that surrounds them. To help people who are hurting, people who know someone who is hurting, people who have hurt in the past, people who need help and healing and hope. You can help by "Liking" both the video and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's page tomorrow, and retweeting their post on Twitter. 
A special thanks to the Lifeline for their tireless efforts to help save lives. Here's the link to their Facebook page ... https://www.facebook.com/800273TALK?ref=ts&fref=ts
and you can find them on Twitter @800273TALK. If someone you know is depressed, please, please, please pay attention to the warning signs that may indicate the person is considering ending his or her life. And don't just tell them to get help, help them get help. Step up and step in ... you may be the one to help them live to see another tomorrow.

 
Suicide Warning Signs
Any of the following could be potential warning signs for suicide:

• Excessive sadness or moodiness: Long-lasting sadness, mood swings, and unexpected rage.  
• Sleep problems.
• Sudden calmness: Suddenly becoming calm after a period of depression or moodiness can be a sign that the person has made a decision to end his or her life.
• Withdrawal: Choosing to be alone and avoiding friends or social activities also are possible symptoms of depression, a leading cause of suicide. This includes the loss of interest or pleasure in activities the person previously enjoyed.
• Changes in personality and/or appearance: A person who is considering suicide might exhibit a change in attitude or behavior, such as speaking or moving with unusual speed or slowness. In addition, the person might suddenly become less concerned about his or her personal appearance.
• Dangerous or self-harmful behavior: Potentially dangerous behavior, such as reckless driving, engaging in unsafe sex, and increased use of drugs and/or alcohol might indicate that the person no longer values his or her life.
• Recent trauma or life crisis: A major life crises might trigger a suicide attempt. Crises include the death of a loved one or pet, divorce or break-up of a relationship, diagnosis of a major illness, loss of a job, or serious financial problems.
• Making preparations: Often, a person considering suicide will begin to put his or her personal business in order. This might include visiting friends and family members, giving away personal possessions, making a will, and cleaning up his or her room or home. Some people will write a note before committing suicide. Some will buy a firearm or other means like poison.
• Threatening suicide: From 50% to 75% of those considering suicide will give someone -- a friend or relative -- a warning sign. However, not everyone who is considering suicide will say so, and not everyone who threatens suicide will follow through with it. Every threat of suicide should be taken seriously.

Who Is Most Likely to Commit Suicide?

• Older people who have lost a spouse through death or divorce
• People who have attempted suicide in the past
• People with a family history of suicide
• People with a friend or co-worker who committed suicide
• People with a history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• People who are unmarried, unskilled, or unemployed
• People with long-term pain or a disabling or terminal illness
• People who are prone to violent or impulsive behavior
• People who have recently been released from a psychiatric hospitalization (this often is a very frightening period of transition)
• People in certain professions, such as police officers and health care providers who work with terminally ill patients
• People with substance abuse problems

Although women are three times as likely to attempt suicide, men are far more likely to be successful.