Category: Suicide Prevention/Mental Health
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A Word on Hope
“What does hope mean to me?” I admit that when I first read this essay, written by one of the inmates in our very first training cohort inside a correctional facility, I read it with a healthy dose of cynicism. Was the writer, Anthony Jackson, being genuine? Lucky for me, I know Anthony better now.…
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Restoring Dignity at the Historic Farnhurst Cemetery
A few thoughts on the Indigent Burial Program and on supporting the dignity of people with mental illness.
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On Gratitude
I wouldn’t ordinarily take a walk on a rainy day, but I know that if my dog stays in the house all day, he will suffer. So when the drizzle turns a bit finer, I zip up a light rain jacket and grab the leash. We walk straight to the woods behind my neighborhood where…
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To Serve and to Savor: A Word on Wilmington
For about half my days over the last 15 years, I have parked at a garage at 11th and Orange each morning, and looked out over downtown Wilmington – the banks rising up towards the sky reflecting slick glass and metal, the functional office buildings and hotels, and the churches, smaller and much older, islands…
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Raising Mentally Resilient Kids Part I
Here are a few ideas for how to raise mentally resilient kids.
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On Heights and Anxious Thoughts
The kids ran ahead, bundled in their layers, kicking pebbles and letting their voices echo unrestrained into the expanse. We shuffled along behind, calling them to stay in sight, stay close. We knew the cliffs were just around one of these bends. When we arrived at the King and Queens Seat, we grabbed them close.…
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Another Word on Mental Health
Some time ago I wrote a post about some myths about mental health, lifestyle and religion. Since it’s May (mental health month), I figured I’d share a few more thoughts on the topic, particularly as it relates to substance use, violence and prevalence. A few common myths are below, along with my thoughts on each.…
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Delawareans: Oppose HB140 legalizing Physician Assisted Suicide
I sent this to my legislators. Feel free to share parts or all: I strongly oppose the passage of HB140, the “Delaware Death with Dignity” act, which allows terminally ill patients to request physician assistance in ending their lives. I work for an agency which is heavily focused on suicide prevention and life promotion, particularly…
Mercy in the Madness 