Yet again mental illness takes the life of a loved one leaving in it's path countless of victims left to suffer with little to no understanding as to the cause, the reason or why. As I wake this morning to read the morning headlines "Anthony Bourdain dead at 61" and less than four days earlier "Famed designer Kate Spade committed suicide". What was not mention in any of those articles are the thousands of unknown suffers and families that are left with no answers as to how we tackle this going epidemic. The suicide rate in the United States has increased in recent years. Studies have shown that the risk of suicide declines when people call the national suicide hotline: 1-800-273-TALK. There is also a crisis text line. For crisis support in Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454. The International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide also provide contact information for crisis centers around the world.
Two year's ago, I lost a very dear loved one (Caren Campbell) to mental illness. I was blessed to come and know such a wonderful person. Caren will always hold a very special place in my heart. Even today I mourn her loss, shed a tear when something reminds me of what we shared. One of our evening escapes was to go and watch the stars at night. I still look for that star, knowing that she's looking down with a smile. Drinking a cup of morning coffee will never be the same or just taking in a movie with an empty set next to you. The best thing that I can do in memory of Caren is to share what I've learned and to help others know that there are resources to get through. You are not alone in your struggle and there are those of us who truly care. Caren's death left a void that can't be explained. Her loss has changed my life forever but hopefully I pray that I can be a blessing to someone else. The carnage left behind when someone commits suicide in itself can feel like a death sentence. Leaving you to wonder just what went wrong with little to no answers or understanding how to deal with it, let alone how to cope with such a tragic loss.
Most families are not prepared to cope with learning their loved one has a mental illness. It can be physically and emotionally draining and can make us feel vulnerable to the opinions of others. A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines. Some of the warning signs can include but not limited to: Confused thinking, prolonged depression (sadness or irritability) feelings of extreme highs and lows Excessive fears, worries and anxieties Social withdrawal Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits Strong feelings of anger Strange thoughts (delusions) Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations) growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities, suicidal thoughts, numerous unexplained physical ailments are substance use.
I recommended that should you notice any of these signs seek help and don't forget to consider help for yourself. It is a taxing task that can also harm your own health. When looking for a therapist that is that is right for you and your family. In the long run, you'll be glad you sought help. Remember, that person suffering is living in a private hell, in what may seem like no way out. Try and remain patient, seek help, build a support group, talk to others. You are not alone in your struggle. Pray, be encouraged and stay strong, know there is a help.
Darrell A Ellis
Two year's ago, I lost a very dear loved one (Caren Campbell) to mental illness. I was blessed to come and know such a wonderful person. Caren will always hold a very special place in my heart. Even today I mourn her loss, shed a tear when something reminds me of what we shared. One of our evening escapes was to go and watch the stars at night. I still look for that star, knowing that she's looking down with a smile. Drinking a cup of morning coffee will never be the same or just taking in a movie with an empty set next to you. The best thing that I can do in memory of Caren is to share what I've learned and to help others know that there are resources to get through. You are not alone in your struggle and there are those of us who truly care. Caren's death left a void that can't be explained. Her loss has changed my life forever but hopefully I pray that I can be a blessing to someone else. The carnage left behind when someone commits suicide in itself can feel like a death sentence. Leaving you to wonder just what went wrong with little to no answers or understanding how to deal with it, let alone how to cope with such a tragic loss.
Most families are not prepared to cope with learning their loved one has a mental illness. It can be physically and emotionally draining and can make us feel vulnerable to the opinions of others. A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines. Some of the warning signs can include but not limited to: Confused thinking, prolonged depression (sadness or irritability) feelings of extreme highs and lows Excessive fears, worries and anxieties Social withdrawal Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits Strong feelings of anger Strange thoughts (delusions) Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations) growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities, suicidal thoughts, numerous unexplained physical ailments are substance use.
I recommended that should you notice any of these signs seek help and don't forget to consider help for yourself. It is a taxing task that can also harm your own health. When looking for a therapist that is that is right for you and your family. In the long run, you'll be glad you sought help. Remember, that person suffering is living in a private hell, in what may seem like no way out. Try and remain patient, seek help, build a support group, talk to others. You are not alone in your struggle. Pray, be encouraged and stay strong, know there is a help.
Darrell A Ellis
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