Nationally, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death claiming approximately 41,149 lives per year across all ages. These numbers are devastating not only because of their enormity, but because of the fact that suicide is preventable. We can all do something to stop these numbers from rising, and it starts with education -- learning what to watch for, listen for, and knowing how/where to get help. We have to “know” before we can act.
Since joining Insight Counseling Centers in January, I've become more attuned to the ways in which therapy and therapists are portrayed in the media. Media representation is important because if all someone knows about therapy is what they see on TV shows and in film, they might develop unrealistic expectations around what therapy is like and how therapists behave.
Suicide leaves in its wake a host of family, friends, and others affected by tremendous and sudden loss. How can these survivors of tragedy move forward with their lives? The work of grieving is different for each individual. For some, it takes months; for others, years. The phases of grief are best thought of as fluid, rather than static and predictable.
When we fall in love, we usually gravitate toward someone who is like us in some ways but different in others. At first this attraction seems ideal, but within about 6-18 months of the relationship the differences will initiate conflict. It is important to normalize these differences and to accept each other, warts and all.