Suicide Prevention
It has been estimated that 1 million people commit suicide each year, around 35,000 of those happening in the United States. Since
my husband’s official diagnosis with mental illnesses including Bipolar Disorder, Agoraphobia, and Schizoaffective Disorder in February 2010; suicide has been a fear of mine. It wasn’t because I was paranoid either. His doctors were very intent on making it clear that the results of his tests were consistent not only with someone who is Bipolar, but with someone who would consequently attempt suicide.
Prevention is a Daily Battle
Suicide prevention comes down to making proactive steps every day. Many of us will never talk someone off of the proverbial “ledge” of a suicide attempt. Though there are small steps that we can take every day that can go a long way in preventing a suicide. It may not be someone that you are married to, but reaching out to even strangers on a daily basis can go a long way to helping prevent suicide. In a previous post I wrote about the importance of Real Conversations and how even in family relationships there is a tendency to have “surface level” communication and not truly reaching out on an emotional level to those closest to us. Taking the time to have these heart to heart conversations with our loved ones can go a long way in preventing suicide.
Warning Signs
Here are some warning signs that I have collaborated between sites like NAMI and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
-Changes in sleep patterns
-Engaging in excessive risky behavior
-Withdrawing from friends and family
-Lack of interest in things that typically mean a lot
-Talking about death or hurt themself
-Extreme moodswings
-Unexplained bouts of anger
Are you or someone you know contemplating suicide or hurting yourself? Please reach out. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) has crisis centers set up all over the country to help you.
Contact us!
If this is your first visit to our website – welcome! It is my desire that you are able to find hope and encouragement from this blog especially if your spouse suffers from mental illness. We try to take it day by day, though this journey is especially challenging. You should not have to go on this journey alone!
Please comment on this blog – we would truly appreciate your feedback! Are you finding this helpful and encouraging? Is there a particular topic you are needing resources or advice on? Let me know how I can improve the blog and make it more resourceful for you!
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I am doing my part to help end the stigma associated with mental health, in particular Bipolar Disorder, by getting information out there in order to increase awareness for those who want to learn more about mental illnesses, also to provide encouragement for those already living with the illness. This site exists to give loved ones the tools they need in order to support and love those close to them that are living with bipolar disorder or other mental illness. For more of our background story check out our story.
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Hi,
I was married to a bipolar disordered doctor for 27 years. We have 4 children. He left me and then 5 years later, did the unthinkable; committed suicide…
Did he do it for attention? Or were his demons too strong? Or perhaps it was a case of untreated depression. He regularly went off his meds. despite the repurcussions…
The end result was, the damage. Emotional and relational. Although a Christian, his reality was full of lies, transferance & slander of the one who loved him for 31 years since the tender age of 16.
The power of two? Sorry even the “Power of Three”, (God, husband, wife) seemed no match. My 2nd book addresses the residual damage he left behind. “A butterfly landed an eagle”, is my true story.
Any one dealing with this madness is quite welcome to read it & learn from my many mistakes; my hindsight as foresight, if you would. Prevent the emotional damage in your family. Protect the children from untreated mania.
Please hear my hearts cry and get my book from amazon.com. If it helps one or many, it will have been worth the writing of it! Thank you & Thank God he brought me through.