a widows pursuit

Everyone experiences grief at one time or another. The grief process is normal, but for some people, it turns into suicide.

What is GRIEF?  (Medicine.Net) The normal process of reacting to a loss. The loss may be physical (Death), social (Divorce) or occupational (Job). Emotional reactions include anger, guilt, anxiety, sadness & despair (depression).

However, when grief takes over it can turn into a clinical depression. Some people don’t have coping skills or support they need and don’t want to talk about it. There are treatment and resources that we all should be informed about.

Let me give you some facts: (WebMD) Clinical depression affects about 6.7% of US population over 18 years old. Depressed mood most of the day. Symptoms present for 2 weeks. Recurring thoughts of death/suicide. There is high risk of suicide with depression. Over 90% of people that die by suicide have clinical depression or another mental disorder.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports for every suicide, there are 25 attempts!

There are resources!!

1. Grief Support Groups – Griefshare (Christian based program)
2. Various support groups for specific illnesses (Cancer, Parkinson’s, MS, ALS, etc.)
3. Caregiver support groups
4. American Cancer Society has Programs & Services (Helps people with cancer & loved ones to understand cancer, mange their lives through treatment, recovery and find emotional support)
5. Professional counselors, Psychologists and Psychiatrists

So we need to talk about grief more! When we know someone is grieving over a loss or other main event such as divorce or illness, we need to get the resources to the people before it’s too late! Let’s be more aware!!