Health Care and Suicide

Suicide is the end result of someone who has seen no end in sight for a particular problem. Taking your life because you seemingly feel there is no way out of an issue is not an answer�coldly, it�s an excuse. It may be a solution to your crisis that in your mind is the only way to escape; but to end your life can be tragic not only for you, but for those who know and love you. Suicide is not an acceptable answer to a question you anticipate has no other resolution.

If you are in intense emotional and/or physical pain, remember that your judgment is being clouded by that pain. If you are considering suicide, you are trying to end that pain. Please do not confuse ending your pain with ending your life. The two are very different, according to www.suicide.org, a prevention organization.

If you are suicidal, you probably are suffering from clinical depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, postpartum depression, PTSD, or something similar. And if you have something along these lines, you actually have a chemical imbalance in your brain -- and you cannot possibly think straight because of it. That is beyond your control. You are not weak. You just need some treatment. This imbalance can occur for several reasons, from genetics to a traumatic life experience, and it is extremely common for people to have this imbalance, so do not feel like you are alone. You are not.

This imbalance may be rectified in several ways, but first you need to be assessed so that the cause may be understood. I would request that you please go to a medical doctor. The doctor can determine if there is a secondary problem (such as a thyroid problem) that is causing the imbalance. If so, an appropriate medication may be prescribed to you. Next, you should visit a therapist. This will allow another assessment to occur and will also allow you to begin talking about your feelings. If the therapist determines that you need a prescription, he or she may refer you to someone who may assist you in that area. More information can be found at this website: http://www.suicide.org/ .

According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, also it can be scary when a friend or loved one is thinking about suicide. If someone you know has any warning signs you should encourage them to call 1-800-255-TALK (8255) so that the individual can find out what resources are available in his or her area. The call is routed to the Lifeline center closest to the caller�s area code. The local crisis center may have resources such as counseling or in-patient treatment centers for your friend or family member.  The Lifeline offers tips to you to help with someone who is threatening suicide:

o   Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.

o   Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.

o   Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.

o   Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.

o   Don't dare him or her to do it.

o   Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.

o   Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.

o   Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.

o   Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.

o   Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

Many people at some time in their lives think about suicide, according to the American Association of Suicidology. Most decide to live because they eventually come to realize that the crisis is temporary and death is permanent. On the other hand, people having a crisis sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control. These are some of the feelings and thoughts they experience:

o   Can't stop the pain

o   Can't think clearly

o   Can't make decisions

o   Can't see any way out

o   Can't sleep, eat or work

o   Can't get out of depression

o   Can't make the sadness go away

o   Can't see a future without pain

o   Can't see themselves as worthwhile

o   Can't get someone's attention

o   Can't seem to get control

Get more material about this topic at this website: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ .

Many times, people who are considering suicide have conflicting thoughts about how their spiritual life may be affected, especially if they are members of a certain faith. Christians can feel depressed and have suicidal thoughts also. It can happen for all of the same reasons mentioned above. The trials of life touch everyone, including Believers.  If the situation you are in is something you can't change, know that God can intervene miraculously. As hard as it may be to do, continue praying for God's help. Don't stop.

Professional help in the form of a qualified Christian counselor is one of the best ways to fight depression and thoughts of suicide. Look in the phone book and make some calls. Ask for references. A good counselor can help you get a new perspective on your problems. Get a medical check-up. Sometimes depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance or other biological factor.

Seek out a support group (starting with your church) that ministers to the area of difficulty in your life. Interacting with others who are facing similar challenges in their lives will help you feel less isolated. Force yourself to do something the next time you feel down. Inactivity only makes depression worse. Here are some things to try:

�         Talk to someone. Call a friend and share your feelings.

�         Take a walk. Exercise causes your blood and oxygen to circulate faster, which makes you feel invigorated. Your brain produces chemicals called endorphins that fight depression.

�         Do something to help someone else. As you focus your attention on another's needs, your own cares may become less burdensome.

�         Listen to music. Choose your favorite songs and sing along.

If you need ongoing support, you are encouraged to contact the pastor of your local church. With the guidance of a minister, you might also consider seeking professional Christian counseling. Here is an example of one of many national ministries that has resources to help:  The American Association of Christian Counselors, and you can call them at 1-866-611-HELP (1-866-611-4357). Much more information on this topic can be found at this website: http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/cbnteachingsheets/suicide.aspx.

Regardless of your situation, suicide is fatal. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts to end life, seek help as soon as possible. Most people who contemplate suicide really don�t want to die; they are calling out for attention or help due to some personal crisis. If you recognize the symptoms, don�t wait to do something about preventing the taking of life into your own hands. Act sooner rather than later. In this type of case, time is only your friend when you take advantage of it.

Until next time.

Tianna's Hair Story

"Before going natural I used to get a lot of perms and dyes to my hair. I got a perm every 4 weeks and my ends trimmed. That was back in highschool. Once I graduated I started to try weaves, sew-ins and wigs. My motto was "Big Girl, Big Hair". Couldn't tell me I wasn't Chaka Khan.

 

I decided to go natural in 2010. I was going threw a awkward phase in life. I felt a change coming and I knew my hair had to go first. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was still living at home with my parents and I felt like I wanted a new beginning. I wanted my independence back. I felt like the wigs became priority over my life. Like, I cant walk out the door with out a wig on because I wasn't happy with my self or my hair. So, I sat in front of my vanity and cut off all my hair. I didn't cry or nothing. I went to the barber and let him line me up and that was it.

 

I had no fear on my natural hair texture because I come from a family where we have long thick hair. Even when I was permed my hair was long. It was just chemically treated, I feel like if I had listened to my mom and not gotten a perm I would of had extremely long hair. I remember begging for a perm and she didn't want to do it. However, she was tired of my tears and she permed my hair.

 

Three products I cant live without is my oils. I mix Olive oil, Grapeseed oil, and Jojoba Oil in a bottle and I moisturize my hair with that. I can't live without a good scarf/hair tye because my locs are heavy and in the summer I just need them off my neck. My loc stylist also uses her own products on my hair that she has formulated called "Buttery Sensations" which she uses on my scalp that causes no flakes or build up. She can be reached @Butterysensations on Instagram

 

When talking to someone who wants to embrace there natural hair. I would ask them "Are you mentally ready?" Especially when you come from a phase where all you have to do is go to the Beauty Supply Store for hair. Natural hair is not a overnight thing. There is no instant gratification. I know that when my hair got to certain length I started my loc extensions. Once my hair reached a certain length with the extensions I cut them off. Then I still was not satisfied so I went back 2 more times for different sets. Now, I'm happy where my hair is being as though loc extensions are not cheap I will not be doing anymore cutting. Also, I would tell the person to be prepared for the words you might receive as well. Especially when people always seen you in weaves or wigs. Some want to know why you did it and what made you do it? I answered that question the whole 2010-2011. This was the best decision I ever made and I refuse to look back. Natural hair is versatile and its a free thing. Its, spiritual, loving and emotional. Once I let go, I really did let GOD." - TIanna

 

You can keep up with me on Youtube - Tiannalife;  Instagram - @Tiannalife;  Twitter - @Tiannalife; Facebook Page: Tianna Life  Blogger: tiannalife.blogspot.com

Book Review: Your Personal Paleo Code

Chris Kresser has been a major figure in the ancestral health community for some time now. It's funny to recall that I was actually one of his first readers, back in the early days of his blog when it was called The Healthy Skeptic and the audience was small. Chris's readership rapidly eclipsed mine, and now he's in high demand for his ability to convey ideas clearly and offer practical solutions to important health concerns.

He recently published a book titled Your Personal Paleo Code, which also happens to be a New York Times bestseller. The primary goal of the book is to help you develop a diet and lifestyle that support health and well-being by starting from a generally healthy template and personalizing it to your needs. Let's have a look.

Introduction

Kresser opens with the poignant story of his own health problems, which began with an infectious illness in Indonesia and several courses of antibiotic therapy. After years of struggling with the resulting symptoms, trying a variety of diets, and finally accepting his condition, he was unexpectedly able to recover his health by adopting a personalized Paleo-like diet that included bone broth and fermented foods.

Why Paleo?

Read more �