Number One Killer of Suicidal People
Personal Development, Stress, Thoughts
That title might sound silly, but it’s the truth. If you really look at what a thought is you’ll see that the silly is profound. Thoughts aren’t concrete, but they can feel that way. A negative thought can feel intensely painful if it is allowed to fester. When someone thinks an upsetting thought, it’s up to that person to continue that thought or find a way to change the mind’s trajectory by using mental tools to release the pain and create happiness. I know that not all suicides can be prevented by working through mental problems, but I believe that many of them can. When I was in college I had suicidal thoughts and I was afraid to seek professional help. I sought refuge in my friends and Yoga. It started my journey toward becoming the strong-minded person who has created an enjoyable life for himself. Too many people die from suicide because they can’t handle the overbearing thoughts in their minds. I’ve been through bouts of depression, suicidal thoughts, and sadness that have caused countless days of suffering. I want my readers to know that help is out there if you reach out and ask for it.
United States Suicide Facts:
• Suicide took the lives of 30,622 people in 2001 (CDC* 2004).
• In 2002, 132,353 individuals were hospitalized following suicide attempts; 116,639 were treated in emergency departments and released (CDC* 2004).
*Facts from the Department of Health and Human Resources
“According to official statistics, about a million people die by suicide annually, more than those murdered or killed in war. As of 2001 in the USA, suicides outnumber homicides by 3 to 2 and deaths from AIDS by 2 to 1.”
- Wikipedia 2007
Thousands of lives could be saved each year if young people were taught to deal with their thoughts. In most schools we force our kids to memorize historical facts and mathematical equations that they will rarely use in their adult lives. We should also be teaching skills like meditation, personal development, yoga, listening skills, and other mental tools that reinforce good habits that support our kids’ happiness.
I’m not saying that we need to stop teaching the basics, but we should reevaluate our definition of a successful person. Is a student successful if s/he is on the honor role, but hates their life? I believe a successful person is someone who can laugh with their friends, go for a walk and take pleasure in the birds’ songs, and sit in a quiet room and feel comfortable with their thoughts.
Our society needs to look at the way we teach young people to deal with their own thoughts. Instead of letting them turn to drugs or TV to tune out their negative noise, we need to teach them life skills that will help them develop their minds and bodies. Free societies are based on the pursuit of happiness and if we can help people learn to deal with their difficult thoughts then we will create a happier society.
Here are my top 3 websites that can help people with suicidal thoughts:
- http://www.networkforgood.org/
If you are having trouble with depression and/or suicidal thoughts please seek help. There are many places to receive the help you need to relieve your suffering and learn to turn your days into a joy filled life.
Popularity: 53% [?]
Karl @ February 3, 2008