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1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK

By Debbie White

Managing Real Estate Broker with Southeast Alaska Real Estate RECB 15265

September 09, 2007 06:15 PM

For the last several days, I've tried to write this post. I wanted it to be effective, persuasive and perfectly written. I'm still not thinking straight but I've just got to do something.

Earlier this week, a 17 year-old in Juneau committed suicide.

This was the fourth teenage suicide in about a year. Our town is only about 30,000 people.

How many others tried? How many more have to die before people start to talk about this?

I just don't understand taking a temporary problem and giving it a permanent solution.

My heart breaks for the families and friends left behind.

The kids themselves are getting numb.

This has got to stop. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among teens and is quickly moving towards #2.

Recognize the Signs Of Depression and Possible Suicide Risk

Talking About Dying -- any mention of dying, disappearing, jumping, shooting oneself, or other types of self harm.

Recent Loss -- through death, divorce, separation, broken relationship, loss of job, money, status, self-confidence, self-esteem, loss of religious faith, loss of interest in friends, sex, hobbies, activities previously enjoyed

Change in Personality -- sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, apathetic
Change in Behavior -- can't concentrate on school, work, routine tasks
Change in Sleep Patterns -- insomnia, often with early waking or oversleeping, nightmares
Change in Eating Habits -- loss of appetite and weight, or overeating
Diminished Sexual Interest -- impotence, menstrual abnormalities (often missed periods)
Fear of losing control -- going crazy, harming self or others
Low self esteem -- feeling worthless, shame, overwhelming guilt, self-hatred, "everyone would be better off without me"
No hope for the future -- believing things will never get better; that nothing will ever change

Other things to watch for- Suicidal impulses, statements, plans; giving away favorite things; previous suicide attempts, substance abuse, making out wills, arranging for the care of pets, extravagant spending, agitation, hyperactivity, restlessness or lethargy.

REMEMBER: The risk of suicide may be greatest as the depression lifts.

1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-SUICIDE GET HELP!

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Joe Salcedo

Chase International Real Estate - Reno, NV

Reno Real Estate

Pretty heavy posting here Debbie. My heart bleeds for the families.

But yes this is an issue that should be talked about. I was just reading a book called, 'a different drum' by M. Scott Peck. A book about real community. Oh boy how we badly need real community. I come from the Philippines, 'a third world country' but i have uttered more than a few times that ' i have seen far more people depressed and lonely in the U.S than in the Philippines' I love both the U.S and the Philippines. Thats not the point. Point is being in the 'wealthiest' nation in the universe does not necessarily translate to real joy and happiness. Many people, including me sometimes, think that financial resources will answer every problem in the world. Unfortunately not. i hope very much that i can be more sensitive to the people around me, a tap in the shoulder, a genuine ' how are you doing' can do wonders..iv realized.

Sep 09, 2007 07:10 PM

Debbie White

Southeast Alaska Real Estate - Juneau, AK

I Sell Alaska!

Lotsa clicks and reads, but no comments. If you have additional resources you would want someone to see, please feel free to post them.

I, for one, was disappointed that we didn't have a local crisis number in Juneau. Ketchikan has one and they are less than half the size of Juneau. I spent over an hour looking for a number in the phone book or online that would be local. I found dead links on websites, including our city and state government sites. I started to wonder if anybody in Juneau cared!

If you have any links, articles, comments, etc please do post them here. It isn't about the blog. It is about the kids.

Sep 09, 2007 07:13 PM

Debbie White

Southeast Alaska Real Estate - Juneau, AK

I Sell Alaska!

Joe - Thank you for posting as I put my comments above. You are right, that money isn't the answer. In fact, "developing" countries have a much lower rate of suicide. Alaska's rate is higher than much of the nation but that has a lot to do with isolation, weather and darkness in winter. Three of the four did this when it wasn't winter. Oh, and I hope you visit Juneau someday. We have a huge population of Filipinos. Their history in this part of the country is quite extensive. They even have their own community hall.

You are also correct about "real community". I've had an open door policy in my home for years and I've been with a lot of kids in crisis. There's a ton of boys in this town that call me "mom". That's probably why this is so hard. If you don't know the kid here, you probably know the family. The latest one came from a family I've known most of my life.

Sep 09, 2007 07:18 PM

Joe Salcedo

Chase International Real Estate - Reno, NV

Reno Real Estate

Thank you for the quick response Debbie. Your character feels like 'fresh laundry' you making a difference in these kids lives. I think thats more than awesome. I would love to visit your place someday.

Sep 09, 2007 07:37 PM

BLR Guy

BLRGUY(Beach & Luxury Realty Inc) - Saint Pete Beach, FL

This hits home,as I just received an email over the weekend from a friend,whose best friend's son committed suicide and he was only 18.It is always so sad to hear stuff like this.

Sep 10, 2007 01:58 AM

Debbie White

Southeast Alaska Real Estate - Juneau, AK

I Sell Alaska!

Joe - We'd love to have you. This is one of those places you want to know someone when you come so you see the "real" Alaska.

BLR Guy - The statistics are staggering and heartbreaking. I don't know of anyone not affected by someone at some time. I was shocked at how few local resources I could find. It has got to change.

Sep 10, 2007 03:12 AM

Joe Salcedo

Chase International Real Estate - Reno, NV

Reno Real Estate

Debbie,

That would be nice to know someone over there if I do go there someday. Thanks.. same here if you're going to Reno,NV. Just shoot me an email..

Sep 10, 2007 02:18 PM

Debbie White

Southeast Alaska Real Estate - Juneau, AK

I Sell Alaska!

Quick update... because this issue has really hit so many families here, I've decided it's time for action. We are going to make a video with photos of all these teens and their stories. The families and friends that are willing t participate will be invited to do so. The video will basically be a "stop, don't do it" with all the reasons why not to. I think telling the stories of the heartbreak within the families may stop at least one. And one is all it takes to make the effort and expense worthwhile.

Sep 10, 2007 03:02 PM

Debbie White

Southeast Alaska Real Estate - Juneau, AK

I Sell Alaska!

Hi, Debbie,

Cathleen, from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, emailed me your blog this morning.

Good job!!! I am happy to see people responding to the blog, and was wondering if you could mention that Careline is available to all Alaskans, is a program accredited by the American Association of Suicidology, and is available toll-free at 1-877-266-4357 or 1-800-273-8255 (the Lifeline)? This may help people to know that they can talk to someone in Alaska.

Thank you, for your energy and for your follow-through!

~Kimberlee

(Cut & Pasted from email this morning)

~Kimberlee R. Jones

Program Director

Careline Crisis Intervention
717 9th Avenue
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701

KimberleeRae@gmail.com
carelinealaska.org

tel:
fax:

(907) 452-2771
(907) 457-2442

Always have my latest info

Want a signature like this?

Sep 25, 2007 07:46 AM