Suicide prevention that really C.A.R.E.S.

On Nov. 28, 2007, I was notified that my ex-husband had committed suicide. I was left with the task of explaining to our daughter, as well as my son, that he had died. As time passed, what I had been assured would fade into the background, came roaring to the forefront of our everyday lives. His death was more difficult for the children to deal with than anyone could have anticipated. In July of the following year, I saw a news report about the opening of Southwest Florida's only suicide prevention resource center. I no longer had to feel isolated with my questions and concerns. I e-mailed Community Awareness in Recognizing and Educating on Suicide, better known as C.A.R.E.S. Suicide Prevention a few days later. I explained my situation to them - about his death and my financial difficulties and how this had prevented me from getting help. My e-mail was answered tenfold with support, both psychological and financial. My association with C.A.R.E.S. grew from there as I learned the disturbing statistics and saw the desperate need for help at all levels of the community.

There is an act of suicide completed every 16 minutes in the United States. That translates to more than 33,000 deaths a year. For every one person that dies by suicide, there is an average of six survivors left behind. Of those six, one more will attempt suicide, if they can't find help. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. One in 12 students has not only thought of suicide, but they have a plan for carrying out the act. Women will attempt four times more often than men; however, they use methods that allow for them to be saved if discovered in time, making their attempts less successful. Common examples are hangings or drug overdoses. Men complete the act of suicide more than women because they tend to use more violent methods, such as gunshots.

There are warning signs to look for if you think someone may be in crisis. If a person becomes withdrawn from their normal activities, begins to give away prized possessions, or is becoming increasingly agitated or depressed they may need immediate assistance. For people who fall into these categories and similar others, there is C.A.R.E.S. They offer assistance to those in crisis to help prevent them from taking their own lives. C.A.R.E.S. can help direct people to psychiatric facilities, provide discussion lines for those who just need to talk and even provide internet resources if you are more comfortable typing than talking.

C.A.R.E.S. is also about education. They offer a variety of programs free to the community. Their "In-the Dash" program is geared toward students in middle school through high school. Another program they offer is QPR training. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. This program is available to community members by request, so that lives can be saved during normal daily activates. QPR is the CPR of suicide and has been proven highly effective.

Most people say that suicide has never affected their lives and never will. Unfortunately, they are often incorrect in this assumption. At the C.A.R.E.S. "Survivors Stepping Out" walk held in November, I was surprised to discover that a fellow student who was volunteering with me had brought his mother with him. Through talking to her about the volunteering opportunity, he opened a dialogue between them in which she spoke candidly about her own attempts. Some people hide suicide acts within their family out of shame. There is no reason to feel shame or embarrassment because a loved one saw no other way to go on. We are all survivors, we all have a story to share, and I encourage you to talk to those you love most about difficult topics such as suicide.

Stress, classes, financial issues, even relationship issues can make a person feel as if they are alone and have little to nothing to live for. I would like to remind you that you have a lot to live for. You are just in a temporary state of distress and you need some help getting past it. Please, if you or someone you know is in crisis, contact C.A.R.E.S. Suicide Prevention online at www.caresprevention.org, or call them at (239) 945-2737. Other hotlines are available such as the national suicide prevention hotline, which is staffed 24/7. You can reach them at 1-800-273-TALK. You can also visit Web sites such as The Trevor Project at www.thetrevorproject.com and chat with professionals.

Suicide is a final solution to what can be very temporary problems. C.A.R.E.S., friends, family, roommates, advisors and medical staff are all willing to help see you through any difficult times you may experience. You are not alone. People care about you.