Suicide Prevention: When Prayer is not Enough

   Suicide is a major public health problem and a leading cause of death in the U.S.  There is a lot we can learn about how to recognize suicide warning signs.  In the African-American community, suicide is an unspoken ‘tabooed’ topic.  Persons who have suffered from trauma, hopelessness, chronic diseases, and everyday life stressors are seen as having ‘a nervous breakdown’ or are weak.  Religion may provide comfort for the sick but some may pray in silence for wellness only.  Dr. Donald Grant, a Psychologist said “Millions live in the shadows suffering alone, managing the weight of the world in silent bent knee prayer…if we ignore it for long enough or fail to name it, it will magically disappear.” 

    Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young black men.  The rates of suicide have doubled among young black men over the last 10 years.  Women of all ethnicities attempt suicide at higher rates than men but men complete the act at a higher rate (CDC).  The warning signs of suicide are:  a person talking about    hurting themselves, self-medicating, extreme changes in mood, diet or sleeping patterns.  It is critical to quickly connect the person to support  services which may include calling 911, a visit to the emergency room, or crisis center.  Minority  communities tend to under-utilize mental health services across all social and   income levels, and some may die in silence.  Studies found that people who are familiar with mental health services and providers (psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, nurse, counselor or practitioner) will more likely make an appointment.  How can we make an impact?  Realize that violence, trauma,

incarceration, school drop-out and health disparities impact one’s overall  health and well-being.

     Promoting a safe and supportive environment which provides opportunities to build relationships among people, families and communities is a key preventative goal.  We have to ‘Break the Stigma of Silence’ and seek professional help when prayer may not be enough.  While prayer may provide spiritual comfort, we can begin to address the whole person-body, mind and spirit.  Although prayers are powerful, there are also other professional resources that can be provided for those suffering from depression and risk of suicide. 

Call the Crisis Hotline at (800) 273-TALK or make an appointment with your healthcare provider.                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                        Dr. Nina & Norwood Coleman Jr., LCSW 

Suggest a personal Gift that cost less than $10.00

What tips can you share to reduce Holiday Stress?

      The holiday season maybe a time of joy or it maybe a time of stress. Preparing for the holidays when money is tight can trigger anxiety. Remember it is important to explain to your children that certain toys and electronics maybe too expensive for your budget.  Do not buy gifts that you will spend the rest of the year or max out your credit card paying off.  The holidays most importantly offer a chance to reconnect with family, friends and loved ones.  Here are a few tips to help reduce stress during the holidays:

à Set a Budget.                                   Set a Limit & stick to it.      

à Share the Tasks                               Delegate, Delegate, Delegate

à Give a Personal Gift                        Gifts don’t have to cost a lot.

à Learn to say NO                               You can’t attend every event.

à Get Plenty of Rest                            Take time for yourself.

à Get Support if you need it               Holidays can trigger Depression.               

For more information click on,

http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/tc/quick-tips-reducing-holiday-stress-get-     started?page=

SCDAA 'Get Connected' Registry is Here

    The “Get Connected” Registry is a Patient-Powered registry that is housed at and managed by the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA).  It is designed to create a new way for people with Sickle Cell Disease and trait to receive information about where to access specialty care, current treatments and therapies, advocacy initiatives, and research studies. For too long, many people with sickle cell disease have lived in silence, in the shadows, without   feeling the freedom to openly speak about their condition. That has definitely changed. People are now learning to “Live Well with Sickle Cell” and are looking for ways to continue to improve their overall quality of life.  People who participate in the registry may also receive or share information critical to establishing better health care, influence policy, advocate for more research and funding for those living with Sickle Cell  Disease.

      It’s time for a Universal Cure for sickle cell.  In fact, it’s well past the time for a cure.  We can help the process along by ensuring everyone in the United States including Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, gets  entered into the “Get Connected” Registry. For further information  contact Community Health Worker, Donna Monroe, the “Get Connected” representative for Delaware at: MsDPM1013@gmail.com,  contact@tovacommunityhealth.org or call TOVA at, 302-762-0200 ext. 105.  Together, we can make this happen by “Getting       Connected.”                                                                                       

                                                                                                                     Donna Monroe, MS