Category: Suicide Prevention/Mental Health
-
Dear Jesse
Dear Jesse, I started listening to Ben Folds again, going through my old CDs. I remembered this one song, “Magic,” and I listened a few times before I wrote this. It made me think of the last time I saw you. Was there something in your eyes? In the lines on your face? I don’t…
-
A Word on Mental Health, Lifestyle, and Faith
I have shifted most of my mental health writing over to the blog on the Mental Health Association in Delaware’s website. (There are also lots of other staff, volunteers and others who contribute to the work blog). But because I often hear misconceptions about mental health, I figured I’d like to address it here too. …
-
Winter Reflection
The day before my son had a minor operation – some dental work under anesthesia – it rained. I remember because my husband made on ordinary comment about my brother, who had died during my pregnancy with my son, more than 7 years ago. Something about how it would be nice if he were here,…
-
Life Lesson: Cut Back on the Drinking
Some of you may have noticed that I’m taking a “little break” (possibly for the rest of my life) from alcohol. “Why??” you may ask. Am I dependent on alcohol? No. Do I struggle with moderation? Yes. Have I said and done things I regretted while drinking? More times than I care to admit. Have I seen…
-
Life Lesson: Feel Your Feelings
We live in a culture where it is often not OK to have feelings. We constantly see memes and decor that say things like “Life is too short to be anything but happy,” or “the prettiest girl is the one who wears a smile,” or “You are not allowed to feel feelings EXCEPT FOR JOY…
-
Delawareans: Oppose HB 160 legalizing Physician Assisted Suicide
I sent this to my legislators. Feel free to share: 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 among those with…
-
Life Lessons 1-10
I was at a doctor’s appointment the other day, and I filled out all the forms, writing my age as “31.” Then a few hours later, I said, “Wait a minute,” remembered the year of my birth, did some counting on my fingers, and realized I’m 32. I’ve reached the age where I can no…
-
Clinging to a Mustard Seed
The night is hurtling towards the early morning hours but I lie awake with my mind spinning. A sleepless night with no distractions is my enemy. I push away memories like ping pong balls in my head, only to have them return, jolting, distorted, as soon as my body begins to relax. And so I…
-
The Bachelor Hit a New Low Tonight
After watching The Bachelor tonight, I can honestly say that it has reached a new low. I can’t honestly say that I’ll never watch it again, because we all know it’s about as addictive as crack. But, much like crack, I crave watching it, need to get me some, and then after it’s over I’m…
-
The Right-To-Die Effect
I didn’t want to write about Brittany Maynard, because it’s hard to disagree with someone who is dying of cancer and not look (and feel) like a big jerk. But here I sit, trying to write about something else, and I just keep coming back to her story. You’ve probably heard of Brittany. She is…
Mercy in the Madness 