| Suicide Warning Signs | |
Talking about suicide |
Any talk about suicide, dying, or self-harm, such as "I wish I hadn't been born," "If I see you again...," and "I'd be better off dead." |
| Seeking out lethal means | Seeking access to guns, pills, knives, or other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt. |
| Preoccupation with death | Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence. Writing poems or stories about death. |
| No hope for the future | Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped ("There's no way out"). Belief that things will never get better or change. |
| Self-loathing, self-hatred | Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden ("Everyone would be better off without me"). |
| Getting affairs in order | Making out a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for family members. |
| Saying goodbye | Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again. |
| Withdrawing from others | Withdrawing from friends and family. Increasing social isolation. Desire to be left alone. |
| Self-destructive behavior | Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks as if they have a "death wish." |
| Sudden sense of calm | A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean that the person has made a decision to commit suicide. |
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Bibliography
"Depression Statistics" Depressionhelpspot.com. March 31.2011. Organization/publisher. < http://www.depressionhelpspot.com/depression_statistics.html >
Wyatt Myers "What causes Depression" everydayhealth.com. 2013. Medically reviewed by Pat. F. Bass III, MD, MPH < http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/understanding/what-causes-depression.aspx>
Lewinsohn, M. Peter, Control Your Depression. New York, New York, 1992. Fireside Edition
Ashlee Davis “How to help Someone Who’s depressed”.http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20452135,00.html 2013
Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Lawrence Robinson“Suicide Prevention” healthguide.org. April 2013 <http://www.helpguide.org/mental/suicide_prevention.htm?>
Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Lawrence Robinson“Depression Symptons” healthguide.org. March 2013 <http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_signs_types_diagnosis_treatment.htm>
Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Lawrence Robinson“Suicide Help” healthguide.org. January 2013 <http://www.helpguide.org/mental/suicide_help.htm>
Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Lawrence Robinson“Bipolar Disorder” healthguide.org. December 2012 <http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm>
“Recognizing Suicidal Behavior” webmd.org. 2013 <http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/recognizing-suicidal-behavior>
“Know The Signs” 2013 http://www.suicideispreventable.org/
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, and David B. Merrill, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc. “Suicide & Suicidal behavior”. Health.nyties.com. 2012. <http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/suicide-and-suicidal-behavior/overview.html>
“Suicide: Common Warning Signs”. 2013. www.health.ov.sk.ca <http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/suicide-common-warning-signs>
Erica Techo. “Better ‘Safe Than Sorry’:Noticing sign of suicidal behavior in friends.” redandblack.com 2012 <http://www.redandblack.com/news/better-safe-than-sorry-noticing-signs-of-suicidal-behavior-in/article_b5db9012-005b-11e2-b742-0019bb30f31a.html>
Wyatt Myers "What causes Depression" everydayhealth.com. 2013. Medically reviewed by Pat. F. Bass III, MD, MPH < http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/understanding/what-causes-depression.aspx>
Lewinsohn, M. Peter, Control Your Depression. New York, New York, 1992. Fireside Edition
Ashlee Davis “How to help Someone Who’s depressed”.http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20452135,00.html 2013
Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Lawrence Robinson“Suicide Prevention” healthguide.org. April 2013 <http://www.helpguide.org/mental/suicide_prevention.htm?>
Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Lawrence Robinson“Depression Symptons” healthguide.org. March 2013 <http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_signs_types_diagnosis_treatment.htm>
Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Lawrence Robinson“Suicide Help” healthguide.org. January 2013 <http://www.helpguide.org/mental/suicide_help.htm>
Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Lawrence Robinson“Bipolar Disorder” healthguide.org. December 2012 <http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm>
“Recognizing Suicidal Behavior” webmd.org. 2013 <http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/recognizing-suicidal-behavior>
“Know The Signs” 2013 http://www.suicideispreventable.org/
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, and David B. Merrill, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc. “Suicide & Suicidal behavior”. Health.nyties.com. 2012. <http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/suicide-and-suicidal-behavior/overview.html>
“Suicide: Common Warning Signs”. 2013. www.health.ov.sk.ca <http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/suicide-common-warning-signs>
Erica Techo. “Better ‘Safe Than Sorry’:Noticing sign of suicidal behavior in friends.” redandblack.com 2012 <http://www.redandblack.com/news/better-safe-than-sorry-noticing-signs-of-suicidal-behavior-in/article_b5db9012-005b-11e2-b742-0019bb30f31a.html>
http://www.spring.org.uk/2008/01/6-self-help-books-for-depression.php
This is a link for 6 books recommended by experts. These books help people cope with depression and ways to overcome it. I strongly recommend these books for people who not only feel sad, but perhaps look at your local bookstores for books that can help you help someone else who is going through depression. As I ask myself as well, ask yourself what can you do to prevent suicide from occurring to others around you. As we all know, depression does not only affect adults but children as well. School peer pressure and bullying are some prime causes for young students to commit suicide. As elders, it is our responsibility to speak out for those who may have already passed, or those who are too scared to speak. We must educate students of consequences of bullying and help students understand there is life after middle school or high school.
This is a link for 6 books recommended by experts. These books help people cope with depression and ways to overcome it. I strongly recommend these books for people who not only feel sad, but perhaps look at your local bookstores for books that can help you help someone else who is going through depression. As I ask myself as well, ask yourself what can you do to prevent suicide from occurring to others around you. As we all know, depression does not only affect adults but children as well. School peer pressure and bullying are some prime causes for young students to commit suicide. As elders, it is our responsibility to speak out for those who may have already passed, or those who are too scared to speak. We must educate students of consequences of bullying and help students understand there is life after middle school or high school.
This represents everything I believe in now. Although I may be a single mother, I must remind myself "It's never too late to life Happily Ever After". This quote does not only have to represent love, but all aspects of life. It is never to late to live out your dream or complete your bucket list. Life is full of the unexpected and unknown possibilities. When things don't go according to plan I repeat one saying in my mind over and over again "I'm too blessed to be stressed, I'm too blessed to be stressed." I remind myself of the good I have in my life and the possibilities that are still available to me.
FAITH
Faith
Faith, is all we have, to make it through the day.
Faith, that when we are lost, we will find our way.
I found this poem online written by Iris Park. I believe it goes perfect with my topic because although life is rough, faith is what helps us strive to move forward. Faith in God, faith in a brighter day, and faith that life is not over. When I was lost and down, i lost my faith. However faith is so strong that although I pushed friends and family away, God never left me. I was able to find my strength through God and realized there is more to life than what meets the eye. God has a brighter plan for me.
Faith, is all we have, to make it through the day.
Faith, that when we are lost, we will find our way.
I found this poem online written by Iris Park. I believe it goes perfect with my topic because although life is rough, faith is what helps us strive to move forward. Faith in God, faith in a brighter day, and faith that life is not over. When I was lost and down, i lost my faith. However faith is so strong that although I pushed friends and family away, God never left me. I was able to find my strength through God and realized there is more to life than what meets the eye. God has a brighter plan for me.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
I am a 24 year old student who is also a single mother. I have had hardships just as everyone else had, and this is why I chose my topic to be about depression and why tragically it may turn into suicide. As I began my research topic I knew that depression and suicide are both sensitive subjects. However, I wanted people to be aware that suicide is preventable and although you might not know someone who is suicidal, depressed, or has committed suicide, it is important to know ways to help someone deal with this if you ever come across this. I created my research project because although hard times may come, there can always be a brighter solution. The DIE method also helped me comprehend what I could do to help others in the future. Listening to what is being said and what is not can make all the difference in someones life. When I became overwhelmed with the sadness of losing so many loved ones due to cancer, I also be came consumed in responsibility by raising my daughter alone. On top of everything, I felt as if my dreams of going to school and having a career as a nurse were crumbling before my eyes. It had been over three years since I had attended school and I had lost all faith in God. But as I pulled myself out of sadness, I began to see that life was not as stressful as it needed to be. Finding God again and restoring my faith helped me move on. Although I was never to the point to where I was suicidal, stress can put anyone in a “funk”. It’s up to friends and family members to show that person life will be okay.
I am a 24 year old student who is also a single mother. I have had hardships just as everyone else had, and this is why I chose my topic to be about depression and why tragically it may turn into suicide. As I began my research topic I knew that depression and suicide are both sensitive subjects. However, I wanted people to be aware that suicide is preventable and although you might not know someone who is suicidal, depressed, or has committed suicide, it is important to know ways to help someone deal with this if you ever come across this. I created my research project because although hard times may come, there can always be a brighter solution. The DIE method also helped me comprehend what I could do to help others in the future. Listening to what is being said and what is not can make all the difference in someones life. When I became overwhelmed with the sadness of losing so many loved ones due to cancer, I also be came consumed in responsibility by raising my daughter alone. On top of everything, I felt as if my dreams of going to school and having a career as a nurse were crumbling before my eyes. It had been over three years since I had attended school and I had lost all faith in God. But as I pulled myself out of sadness, I began to see that life was not as stressful as it needed to be. Finding God again and restoring my faith helped me move on. Although I was never to the point to where I was suicidal, stress can put anyone in a “funk”. It’s up to friends and family members to show that person life will be okay.
CVP 6
CVP 6: CRITICAL LENSES
Part 1 Descriptive Lenses
Descriptive lenses are things “we can experience with our senses” such as touch, smell, taste, and hear. Visual arts and performing arts are apart of our descriptive lenses. Particularly the performing arts stands out to me when discussing my topic which is Suicide and what exactly leads people to commit suicide when they become overwhelmed with depression. In my opinion, film can have an effect on people who are dealing with depression. Watching movie about suicidal characters or characters dealing with the same problems they are, can influence those on the verge of suicide to commit the act. Movies also give viewers the perspective of other people involved including the suppressed. As we watch a film who addresses this subject, we can see different points of view as opposed to just our own when living in real time. When looking through this particular lens, I begin to wonder exactly how much effect television and movies have on people who are socially or mentally ill. Does this false world give people hope? Does it cause them to become more depressed? How many people have committed suicide over something they have watched through performing arts? An example that I found was from the movie Shawshank Redemption. In this movie, Brooks, a main character, is released from prison after serving 50 years. When he is released on parole the overwhelming environment around him and his lack of connection to the world leads him to commit suicide only days after his release. Perhaps many people can relate to Brooks in the sense that they feel a lack of connection to the real world.
Part 1: EVALUATIVE LENSES
According to our lesson, Evaluative lenses focus on what is in the background that influences how you describe and interpret things. “When one is able to unlock the past and to get to the origin or source of an idea, one has the power to change it.” For my assignment I will be focusing mainly on the Philosophy portion of this lens. “philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning subjects such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind and language.” I chose this particular lens because I believe the way you speak to a certain individual as well as how you react to their behaviors can have a significant impact on a person. An example of this is when parents belittle their children or use verbal abuse. The lack of ability to communicate in a supportive and loving manner can lead a child to become depressed and less vocal about their feelings. Children lack a sense of rationality and perhaps hear of suicide and commit suicide not knowing the actual outcome of their actions is death. On April 16, 2013 a young boy at the age of 13 in Palmdale, CA, who was allegedly bullied was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. I believe it is our job as parents to consistently be apart of our children's’ lives and to be able to communicate with young children to understand their feelings and to help them cope with their surroundings. Not only is it important to listen, and discuss feelings, but it is equally important to observe the actions of loved ones around us. Just because they say everything is okay, does not mean that it is. We must make it our duty to notice what is not being said and why they are avoiding this particular conversation. This lens brings several questions up such as “Were their warning signs?” “Was this suicide preventable?” “What was the cause of the suicide?”
Part 1: INTERPRETIVE LENSES
Interpretive Lenses focuses on language and communication and the importance of language to communicate with one another. Communication is the process of sending messages from one person to another whether it is through body language, words, or vocality. I chose to deal with this specific portion of the interpretive lenses because it is important to communicate with friends and family members if you become depressed or suicidal. Typically, when a person is either of these things, their communication skills are minimal but subtly present. Although a person may not be able to have the strength to admit they’re depressed or having suicidal thoughts, body language may also be key to awareness. People have the ability to communicate through non-verbal communication which can make it easier to understand how a person is really feelings. Their bodily gestures, facial expressions, lack of eye contact, or physical appearance can show family members and friends a side of them that is not being expressed through vocality. This particular lens can open up several questions as to “were their warning signs?” “Was there proper communication through both parties?” and “What was said or done that could have prevented the suicide?” By understanding the importance of communication, we can begin to see past what is merely said to the world, and look beyond. When speaking with individuals who admit to being depressed and seek counseling or other help, perhaps we could find out whether or not they tried to express their feelings to others.
Part 1 Descriptive Lenses
Descriptive lenses are things “we can experience with our senses” such as touch, smell, taste, and hear. Visual arts and performing arts are apart of our descriptive lenses. Particularly the performing arts stands out to me when discussing my topic which is Suicide and what exactly leads people to commit suicide when they become overwhelmed with depression. In my opinion, film can have an effect on people who are dealing with depression. Watching movie about suicidal characters or characters dealing with the same problems they are, can influence those on the verge of suicide to commit the act. Movies also give viewers the perspective of other people involved including the suppressed. As we watch a film who addresses this subject, we can see different points of view as opposed to just our own when living in real time. When looking through this particular lens, I begin to wonder exactly how much effect television and movies have on people who are socially or mentally ill. Does this false world give people hope? Does it cause them to become more depressed? How many people have committed suicide over something they have watched through performing arts? An example that I found was from the movie Shawshank Redemption. In this movie, Brooks, a main character, is released from prison after serving 50 years. When he is released on parole the overwhelming environment around him and his lack of connection to the world leads him to commit suicide only days after his release. Perhaps many people can relate to Brooks in the sense that they feel a lack of connection to the real world.
Part 1: EVALUATIVE LENSES
According to our lesson, Evaluative lenses focus on what is in the background that influences how you describe and interpret things. “When one is able to unlock the past and to get to the origin or source of an idea, one has the power to change it.” For my assignment I will be focusing mainly on the Philosophy portion of this lens. “philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning subjects such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind and language.” I chose this particular lens because I believe the way you speak to a certain individual as well as how you react to their behaviors can have a significant impact on a person. An example of this is when parents belittle their children or use verbal abuse. The lack of ability to communicate in a supportive and loving manner can lead a child to become depressed and less vocal about their feelings. Children lack a sense of rationality and perhaps hear of suicide and commit suicide not knowing the actual outcome of their actions is death. On April 16, 2013 a young boy at the age of 13 in Palmdale, CA, who was allegedly bullied was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. I believe it is our job as parents to consistently be apart of our children's’ lives and to be able to communicate with young children to understand their feelings and to help them cope with their surroundings. Not only is it important to listen, and discuss feelings, but it is equally important to observe the actions of loved ones around us. Just because they say everything is okay, does not mean that it is. We must make it our duty to notice what is not being said and why they are avoiding this particular conversation. This lens brings several questions up such as “Were their warning signs?” “Was this suicide preventable?” “What was the cause of the suicide?”
Part 1: INTERPRETIVE LENSES
Interpretive Lenses focuses on language and communication and the importance of language to communicate with one another. Communication is the process of sending messages from one person to another whether it is through body language, words, or vocality. I chose to deal with this specific portion of the interpretive lenses because it is important to communicate with friends and family members if you become depressed or suicidal. Typically, when a person is either of these things, their communication skills are minimal but subtly present. Although a person may not be able to have the strength to admit they’re depressed or having suicidal thoughts, body language may also be key to awareness. People have the ability to communicate through non-verbal communication which can make it easier to understand how a person is really feelings. Their bodily gestures, facial expressions, lack of eye contact, or physical appearance can show family members and friends a side of them that is not being expressed through vocality. This particular lens can open up several questions as to “were their warning signs?” “Was there proper communication through both parties?” and “What was said or done that could have prevented the suicide?” By understanding the importance of communication, we can begin to see past what is merely said to the world, and look beyond. When speaking with individuals who admit to being depressed and seek counseling or other help, perhaps we could find out whether or not they tried to express their feelings to others.
CVP 3
Ashleigh Govea
MW Online
CVP 3 Research Mapping
Why does depression sometimes end in suicide? Depression is defined by severe despondency and dejection, accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. A condition of mental disturbance, typically with lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration or interest in life. Depression can become so overwhelming that at times, it can result to suicide. According to the World Health Organization, it is believed about 1 million people commit suicide every year. About 2 to 9 percent of suicides is caused by depression according to Leonard Holmes report. What do these people have in common that creates such severe depression to lead to suicide and could it have been prevented?
I need to know the relationships the depressed had with their families, the issues they faced and whether or not they sought help. Such organizations that help someone who’s depressed are Depression Connection and in Fort Worth, Tarrant County Mental Health Resources. As a community and society we must as ourselves what WE can do together to help these people in need and create a social reform. We must bring awareness to those around us in order to show the depressed they are not alone.
Kathryn A. Cunningham, Ph.D, with her team at University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston along with the University of Houston have found an approach to influence brain signaling to improve treatment of Depression. NARSAD Grantee Scott Russo, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the Icahn School or Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, along with a team of researchers discovered that decreased expression of the protein “Rac1” may be a primary cause of depression and an over expression of the same protein reversed depression-related behaviors in mice. NARSAD Grantee Marina Picciotto, Ph.D., and colleagues found that disruptions of a different neurotransmitter system, acetylcholine, induced depression and anxiety symptoms.
Part II
On a scale from 1 to 5, I would rate this exercise a 4. I found this exercise more difficult than the others because I was unsure of how to grasp my question and where to begin. It was also difficult for me to find scholars who specialize in the field of depression.
I learned that I could find organizations that help people who are depressed and I could volunteer to help with these organizations. The more people that help, perhaps the less people would be more likely to commit suicide.
I didn’t know that approximately 1,000,000 people commit suicide every year and perhaps there are medicines being created that can help those depressed cope.
The only thing that was hard for me to complete the assignment was the ability to find the scholars. I was able to find organizations that helped those that are depressed but I could not find research they have done. This was the only thing that too a significant amount of time.
MW Online
CVP 3 Research Mapping
Why does depression sometimes end in suicide? Depression is defined by severe despondency and dejection, accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. A condition of mental disturbance, typically with lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration or interest in life. Depression can become so overwhelming that at times, it can result to suicide. According to the World Health Organization, it is believed about 1 million people commit suicide every year. About 2 to 9 percent of suicides is caused by depression according to Leonard Holmes report. What do these people have in common that creates such severe depression to lead to suicide and could it have been prevented?
I need to know the relationships the depressed had with their families, the issues they faced and whether or not they sought help. Such organizations that help someone who’s depressed are Depression Connection and in Fort Worth, Tarrant County Mental Health Resources. As a community and society we must as ourselves what WE can do together to help these people in need and create a social reform. We must bring awareness to those around us in order to show the depressed they are not alone.
Kathryn A. Cunningham, Ph.D, with her team at University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston along with the University of Houston have found an approach to influence brain signaling to improve treatment of Depression. NARSAD Grantee Scott Russo, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the Icahn School or Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, along with a team of researchers discovered that decreased expression of the protein “Rac1” may be a primary cause of depression and an over expression of the same protein reversed depression-related behaviors in mice. NARSAD Grantee Marina Picciotto, Ph.D., and colleagues found that disruptions of a different neurotransmitter system, acetylcholine, induced depression and anxiety symptoms.
Part II
On a scale from 1 to 5, I would rate this exercise a 4. I found this exercise more difficult than the others because I was unsure of how to grasp my question and where to begin. It was also difficult for me to find scholars who specialize in the field of depression.
I learned that I could find organizations that help people who are depressed and I could volunteer to help with these organizations. The more people that help, perhaps the less people would be more likely to commit suicide.
I didn’t know that approximately 1,000,000 people commit suicide every year and perhaps there are medicines being created that can help those depressed cope.
The only thing that was hard for me to complete the assignment was the ability to find the scholars. I was able to find organizations that helped those that are depressed but I could not find research they have done. This was the only thing that too a significant amount of time.
CVP 2
Ashleigh Govea
MW Online
February 17, 2013
Everyone at one point in their life has felt some form of depression. Whether its for the loss of a loved one or for other personal reasons such as losing a job or even a bad breakup. Depression is inevitable in life. According to CDC 9% of adults are depressed at least occasionally, and 3.4% suffer from major depression. Whether your depression stems from personal issues or whether it is a mental illness, it can have an outcome of common chronic conditions such as asthma, cancer, and obesity. The current fact that we are in a recession also affects people in today generation everyday. The inability to find a job or to provide for ones family can be stressful and unsettling to say the least. Thankfully, I am blessed with an amazing job in the Health field so it is somewhat a reliable job source.
Although, I have experienced depression through losing several loved ones in my life. Like many people do, it becomes hard to grasp everyday life when the death of a family member occurs. Some people never learn to function again and fall into a long state of depression that it could even cause death. What makes my story unique is the strength I found to turn my tragedy of losing my grandmother to cancer to better my life which can be difficult at times. I was able to let go of my anger and find inner peace. I continued to become more confident in my faith and realize there is a bigger plan for my life. Perhaps death was the birth of my new life. I changed my life for the better by reenrolling in school and applied to a hospital position so I could help family members in need just like I once was.
It is important to care about depression and at all costs, do not ignore it for depression can only get worse if you do not seek help from family members, friends or even professional help. Family and friends are encouraged to speak out if they too feel as if someone they care for seems depressed. Perhaps it may be difficult to admit they are sick and need a loving hand or a listening ear. If someone is dealing with depression the first thing they must do is look at warning signs and admit if they have a problem. Before depression is able to be treated you have to ask yourself whether or not you are willing to continue the process to get better. You must address the issue at hand, and be willing to open your heart to seek the bigger picture. What is causing you to be depressed? Is it a mental illness or temporary? Is your condition something that can be cured by talking about it day by day and working out the issues or is it something that must be treated with medication? I recommend anyone who feels like this could be them, to research this topic. I am glad that my life is no longer in sadness and I have been able to create a wonderful life after a heartbreaking event.
Reflection Questions:
On a scale of 1-5, 1 being easy and 5 being difficult I believe this exercise was a 3. It is hard for me to open up completely to people I do not know. To admit I was down is a hard thing for me to do. However I realize everyone at some point has felt sadness and it is universal. Helping people is my main goal so they see there is a brighter picture.
I learned that although it may be hard for me to express my true emotions, it is best to acknowledge my faults and talk about them with friends and family. Bottling up your emotions can lead to serious health issues.
I did not know how common depression was amongst adults.
Why does depression sometimes end in suicide and how common is this?
MW Online
February 17, 2013
Everyone at one point in their life has felt some form of depression. Whether its for the loss of a loved one or for other personal reasons such as losing a job or even a bad breakup. Depression is inevitable in life. According to CDC 9% of adults are depressed at least occasionally, and 3.4% suffer from major depression. Whether your depression stems from personal issues or whether it is a mental illness, it can have an outcome of common chronic conditions such as asthma, cancer, and obesity. The current fact that we are in a recession also affects people in today generation everyday. The inability to find a job or to provide for ones family can be stressful and unsettling to say the least. Thankfully, I am blessed with an amazing job in the Health field so it is somewhat a reliable job source.
Although, I have experienced depression through losing several loved ones in my life. Like many people do, it becomes hard to grasp everyday life when the death of a family member occurs. Some people never learn to function again and fall into a long state of depression that it could even cause death. What makes my story unique is the strength I found to turn my tragedy of losing my grandmother to cancer to better my life which can be difficult at times. I was able to let go of my anger and find inner peace. I continued to become more confident in my faith and realize there is a bigger plan for my life. Perhaps death was the birth of my new life. I changed my life for the better by reenrolling in school and applied to a hospital position so I could help family members in need just like I once was.
It is important to care about depression and at all costs, do not ignore it for depression can only get worse if you do not seek help from family members, friends or even professional help. Family and friends are encouraged to speak out if they too feel as if someone they care for seems depressed. Perhaps it may be difficult to admit they are sick and need a loving hand or a listening ear. If someone is dealing with depression the first thing they must do is look at warning signs and admit if they have a problem. Before depression is able to be treated you have to ask yourself whether or not you are willing to continue the process to get better. You must address the issue at hand, and be willing to open your heart to seek the bigger picture. What is causing you to be depressed? Is it a mental illness or temporary? Is your condition something that can be cured by talking about it day by day and working out the issues or is it something that must be treated with medication? I recommend anyone who feels like this could be them, to research this topic. I am glad that my life is no longer in sadness and I have been able to create a wonderful life after a heartbreaking event.
Reflection Questions:
On a scale of 1-5, 1 being easy and 5 being difficult I believe this exercise was a 3. It is hard for me to open up completely to people I do not know. To admit I was down is a hard thing for me to do. However I realize everyone at some point has felt sadness and it is universal. Helping people is my main goal so they see there is a brighter picture.
I learned that although it may be hard for me to express my true emotions, it is best to acknowledge my faults and talk about them with friends and family. Bottling up your emotions can lead to serious health issues.
I did not know how common depression was amongst adults.
Why does depression sometimes end in suicide and how common is this?
CVP 1
Introduction to the Humanitites
Ashleigh Govea
MW Online
As a little girl, I remember going to my grandmothers house every summer. I remember chasing my older brother Stephen around her small house listening to the hardwood floors creek and thump as I ran up and down. I can still smell her perfume and hear the television blaring in the living room. These memories are simple memories, perhaps unimportant to some, but these little memories mean the world to me. My grandmother was without a doubt the most amazing person I will ever meet. I say that, because I know there will never met another person as caring and giving as she was. Devoted to Christ. Devoted to her family. She was the biggest role model in my life. When I was 11, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. Even as young as I was, I saw my Super Woman deteriorate before my eyes. Her skin turned a dark yellow, her bones were frail and weak, and her strength was almost non existent. My family gathered at her house daily to make her feel happy. The adults cooked and cleaned and tried to make her feel comfortable but in all of our hearts, it was difficult to see her in such horrible condition. As time passed, my heart continued to ache. Each and every one of us felt helpless and hopeless. We kept prayer in our lives but couldn't help but wonder "why?". We begged God for answers, for an explanation or a sign letting us know of all people, why her? The most devoted Christian who not only believed in God but practiced her faith. When she passed I looked to God for help and I began to read the bible just like my Grandmother wanted me to all of these years. Although I couldn't help my Grandmother I knew I wanted to help others some way, somehow.
As I got older and time passed, the pain of losing my grandmother never healed. Since then, I have lost many more loved ones to Cancer including my godmother this past year. Around the time of losing my godmother I was working Full-time and not attending school. I had fallen into a routine of going to work and putting school on the back burner sometimes not even sure if I would ever go back. Watching another loved one grow weaker by the day before my own eyes I was determined to become like my godmother and become a Nurse. All these years she had made a difference in all of her patients lives even making many friends along the way. These heartbreaking events have led me to determine my future career as a Nurse specializing in Pediatric Oncology. Working at a hospital I see so many different cases. Many elderly just like my grandmother and godmother who are helpless and sick. As I approach these patients, I try to be as warm and caring as possible. I go above and beyond my job duties as an ER Admissions Specialist to make each and every patient comfortable. I treat every patient as if they were my family or my loved one laying in that hospital bed sometimes unable to care for themselves. As hard as it was to see my grandmother in such pain, I want to help these people feel comfortable and cared for. I might not be able to cure these children from cancer, but I can definitely make a difference to each and every one of them.
These unfortunate events helped me turn my life around. I began to live every day with gratitude and a sense of hopefulness of the future. Seeing my loved ones in such pain urged me to make a difference in others lives. I learned that although it may take great strength you must always try to find a positive in a negative situation. It was a struggle for me to let go of my anger and confusion and begin to see that me being angry wasn't going to bring my loved ones back. It wasn't going to change the future or the present and all I could do was move forward with new knowledge. Most people have been through something tragic or heartbreaking, and perhaps they are still carrying around that heartache, I urge you to find what God's purpose was for these tragic events and see a brighter picture as difficult as it may be. I am most proud that I too could find this strength and that I got back into school. As I look at how far I've come, If these events would have never occurred, I don't think I would have come back to school. I had been out for three years and I had become accustomed to not making it apart of my weekly schedule. My priorities have changed and I am grateful I have the ability to help others who too have become sick. The pain of losing them will never fully heal, but I can share my story with others in hopes that they too will find the light in every darkness.
Part II
1. I would rate the difficulty of this assignment a level 3. It was not easy nor hard. I enjoyed sharing my experience with others however it was somewhat difficult for me to choose an event that I would feel comfortable sharing with the entire class.
2. I learned that I have become stronger in mind, body, and soul. Reliving these two tragic events broke my heart once again, but I am glad that one day, I will be able to help people just like them.
3. If I knew then, what I know now, I don't think it would have made the process of losing a loved one any easier. Although I may see the light at the end of a very dark tunnel, to get there is a healing process. I know that everything happens for a reason and as I was going through this it was difficult to understand what that reason was. As we grow older, we become more mature and more knowledgeable.
4. Three universal societal issues my turning point addressed were the coping with death, depression, and the sense of hope in finding a brighter ending.
Ashleigh Govea
MW Online
As a little girl, I remember going to my grandmothers house every summer. I remember chasing my older brother Stephen around her small house listening to the hardwood floors creek and thump as I ran up and down. I can still smell her perfume and hear the television blaring in the living room. These memories are simple memories, perhaps unimportant to some, but these little memories mean the world to me. My grandmother was without a doubt the most amazing person I will ever meet. I say that, because I know there will never met another person as caring and giving as she was. Devoted to Christ. Devoted to her family. She was the biggest role model in my life. When I was 11, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. Even as young as I was, I saw my Super Woman deteriorate before my eyes. Her skin turned a dark yellow, her bones were frail and weak, and her strength was almost non existent. My family gathered at her house daily to make her feel happy. The adults cooked and cleaned and tried to make her feel comfortable but in all of our hearts, it was difficult to see her in such horrible condition. As time passed, my heart continued to ache. Each and every one of us felt helpless and hopeless. We kept prayer in our lives but couldn't help but wonder "why?". We begged God for answers, for an explanation or a sign letting us know of all people, why her? The most devoted Christian who not only believed in God but practiced her faith. When she passed I looked to God for help and I began to read the bible just like my Grandmother wanted me to all of these years. Although I couldn't help my Grandmother I knew I wanted to help others some way, somehow.
As I got older and time passed, the pain of losing my grandmother never healed. Since then, I have lost many more loved ones to Cancer including my godmother this past year. Around the time of losing my godmother I was working Full-time and not attending school. I had fallen into a routine of going to work and putting school on the back burner sometimes not even sure if I would ever go back. Watching another loved one grow weaker by the day before my own eyes I was determined to become like my godmother and become a Nurse. All these years she had made a difference in all of her patients lives even making many friends along the way. These heartbreaking events have led me to determine my future career as a Nurse specializing in Pediatric Oncology. Working at a hospital I see so many different cases. Many elderly just like my grandmother and godmother who are helpless and sick. As I approach these patients, I try to be as warm and caring as possible. I go above and beyond my job duties as an ER Admissions Specialist to make each and every patient comfortable. I treat every patient as if they were my family or my loved one laying in that hospital bed sometimes unable to care for themselves. As hard as it was to see my grandmother in such pain, I want to help these people feel comfortable and cared for. I might not be able to cure these children from cancer, but I can definitely make a difference to each and every one of them.
These unfortunate events helped me turn my life around. I began to live every day with gratitude and a sense of hopefulness of the future. Seeing my loved ones in such pain urged me to make a difference in others lives. I learned that although it may take great strength you must always try to find a positive in a negative situation. It was a struggle for me to let go of my anger and confusion and begin to see that me being angry wasn't going to bring my loved ones back. It wasn't going to change the future or the present and all I could do was move forward with new knowledge. Most people have been through something tragic or heartbreaking, and perhaps they are still carrying around that heartache, I urge you to find what God's purpose was for these tragic events and see a brighter picture as difficult as it may be. I am most proud that I too could find this strength and that I got back into school. As I look at how far I've come, If these events would have never occurred, I don't think I would have come back to school. I had been out for three years and I had become accustomed to not making it apart of my weekly schedule. My priorities have changed and I am grateful I have the ability to help others who too have become sick. The pain of losing them will never fully heal, but I can share my story with others in hopes that they too will find the light in every darkness.
Part II
1. I would rate the difficulty of this assignment a level 3. It was not easy nor hard. I enjoyed sharing my experience with others however it was somewhat difficult for me to choose an event that I would feel comfortable sharing with the entire class.
2. I learned that I have become stronger in mind, body, and soul. Reliving these two tragic events broke my heart once again, but I am glad that one day, I will be able to help people just like them.
3. If I knew then, what I know now, I don't think it would have made the process of losing a loved one any easier. Although I may see the light at the end of a very dark tunnel, to get there is a healing process. I know that everything happens for a reason and as I was going through this it was difficult to understand what that reason was. As we grow older, we become more mature and more knowledgeable.
4. Three universal societal issues my turning point addressed were the coping with death, depression, and the sense of hope in finding a brighter ending.
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