“Awareness” (Under the Juniper Tree S9E9)

May 14, 2019

Under the Juniper Tree Season 9, Episode 9 for Tuesday, May 14, 2019

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. · It is important to give some reminders concerning the importance of our knowledge and wanting to be a benefit to those who suffer from mental health issues. · Suicide has been on the rise in every state except one (Nevada) from a period of 1999-2016. That decrease was only one percent. o 45,000 lives were lost in 2016. It was up more than 30% in almost every state. o Most known problems individuals had leading to suicide were: Relationship Problems, Substance abuse problems, or major crisis in the past two weeks or within the upcoming two weeks. o Between 1999 and 2014, suicide rates increased almost three percent for men and two percent for women. o More males take their lives but more females make attempts. o In the US in 2014, if you were Native American or a Native of Alaska, you were more at risk to committing suicide than any other race. This was true for males and females. Caucasians placed second in both categories. o In 2013, Native Americans or Natives of Alaska males ages 18-24 were two times as likely to take their own lives than any other race. · In 2017 suicide was ranked #10 as the leading cause of death for all age groups. o It was ranked #2 ages 10-14, 15-24, 25-34. #4 ages 35-44 and 45-54. #8 for ages 55-64. · We may ask ourselves, what’s the purpose of spouting out all of these facts about suicide. You’re aware now. · Awareness is not enough. While discussing the deadness of faith without works James describes a person who is apparently to notice a brother or sister in Christ who is suffering but does nothing to help. Awareness without action is useless. · One may ask, “What can I do?” o Know the warning signs: o Know what to do if you suspect something: § Ask them. § Keep them Safe. § Try to be there for the person. § Connect them with help · 1-800-273-TALK (8255) § Follow up.