Month: July 2018

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Depression, Suicide, Photography

I had a wonderful story to tell you for today’s post, but Cee distracted me with another blog that deserves to be recognized for exceptional writing.  I would like to present Jenn Mishra of “Traveling at Wit’s End”.

Jenn writes about her own battles with depression and suicide in a frank and deeply personal way.  She also tells how a photography project helps keep her grounded and moving forward.  Her photography is incredibly beautiful, a delight to view.  Her story is compelling and courageous.  Please read her blog and let her know how much her words resonated with you.

Cee and I have family members who battle depression.  We’ve done the same when Cee was critically ill, chronically suffering.  I’ve worked for years with grieving children and their families and have heard their heartbreak when suicide struck their family.  There are no answers for them.

But there could be answers for all of us if we would just talk about depression, about suicidal thinking.  The only shame about mental health is when we don’t talk, and we don’t listen, and another life ends early.

Here in Oregon where we live, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for young people, topped only by traffic accidents.  We have the 8th highest suicide rate in the nation.

If you would like information about suicide in your state go to AFSP’s suicide statistics page.

If you are in crisis, please call the

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

Here is a link to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signs.

With much love and appreciation,

Chris (and Cee)