Posted in depression, Life

Suicide Prevention

Posted on by Penny Wilson Writes

The World Health Organization has determined that there is a suicide committed worldwide every 40 seconds.  By the year 2020, that number will double to every 20 seconds. 

*Source https://www.befrienders.org/suicide-statistics

 Depression is the #1 reason behind suicides.

 THIS is why I write about depression.  It’s a lot more than just a “case of the blues”.  Much more.

Did you know that there are more than 9 different types of depression?

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Postpartum Depression
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  • Atypical Depression
  • Psychotic Depression
  • Situational Depression

These are just the ones I could find in a brief search.  There are more.  So let’s end the stigma, shall we?  Depression is an illness.  There is NO shame in having depression.  There is NO shame in talking about depression.

If you think you might be depressed, please TALK to someone.  Talk to a friend, a teacher, a priest, your doctor, SOMEONE.

If you have a friend or loved one that you think might be depressed, TALK to them.  Encourage them to seek help.  Go with them if necessary, to that doctor’s office or church, hold their hand.  BE there for them.  You may just save a life.

If you have a friend that has mentioned suicide, DON’T ignore it.  Talking about it is NOT harmless.  TALK to them.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline phone # is:  1-800-273-8255.  HERE is a link to many international phone #’s for Suicide Prevention. 

There IS help.  If you can’t get that friend or loved one to call, YOU call for them.  You may just save their life.

As always, thank you for joining me on this journey.  ❤ Penny

Author:

Penny Wilson is an international writer who writes in several genres. She has written articles for WOW Women on Writing. Her poetry has been published in online journals, such as Ariel Chart, Spill Words Press and the Poppy Road Review. Penny is a member of the Austin Poetry Society. Her poetry has been featured in the publication America's Emerging Poets 2018 & 2019 by Z Publishing and Poets Quarterly and Dual Coast Magazine published by Prolific Press. Most recently, you can find her poetry in an anthology by WordCrafter Press called Poetry Treasures. Penny is an advocate for Mental Health Awareness and has the page "Mental Health Help" on her blog. She writes about the struggles of mental illnesses and Depression. She is passionate about spreading awareness for Suicide Prevention and Domestic Abuse. She expresses her passion through her writings of poetry and life experiences. You can find more of her writings on her blog at https://pennywilsonwrites.com/

23 thoughts on “Suicide Prevention”

  1. Thank you Penny for highlighting depression. This is a subject close to my personal life, and also to my professional life. Let’s keep breaking down the barriers and stigma associated with getting help. It’s okay to not be okay! It’s okay to ask for help!

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    1. Than you so much Dave! I love that you have a Tab on your home page about How to get help for Mental Illness! What a wonderful idea! I would very much like to copy your idea. Would you mind?
      Thank you kindly for the follow as well. I’ve followed you in kind and look forward to seeing more of your writings.

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      1. Feel free Penny. I’m very conscious that people view blogs from all over the world, so feel to suggest some national or regional helplines from wherever you are based, and I’ll stick them on the page

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      1. You are most welcome. Awareness is somthing that the mental health community needs to share about like confetti! We all need to know that we are there for one another, and that there is support out there! So good for you!!! God Bless! 😊🙏

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      2. Thanks Beckie. Yes, I write about MH issues, once in a while on my blog. I agree, awareness is so needed!! If you ever want to look at some of my other posts, I think all you would have to do is search for Depression in my archives.
        I’m glad we connected Beckie and I’m glad you’re here. ❤ ❤ ❤

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  5. Bravo Penny, kudos to you – you know my feelings on this subject – it simply isn’t addressed in the right light enough – it is stigmatized by a society who mostly prefer to ostracize it to the depths of hell itself. Depression isn’t taboo, every body has mental health, both good and bad.

    Great post.

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  6. Well done Penny for continuing to bring attention to MH issues. As a long-time sufferer of depression, I know how debilitating it can be. Thanks for reminding everyone about this hidden killer.

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  8. Thank you, Penny, for continuing to address mental health issues. Education and awareness are vital, along with understanding and compassion. Your insightful words add to the discussion and truly make a difference.

    Today I honor the memory of Carl, the eldest son of a friend. Carl took his life one year ago today at the age of 32. He was my eldest daughter’s classmate and friend. I pray today for peace and comfort for Carl’s family as they remember him.

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