My mother (who is now deceased) was a therapist and I learned a lot about mental disorders from her. Some of the topics that were mentioned was the reason why she went into that field. Even as we speak it is still not really supported in the black community to seek help. There's a backlash for airing your dirty laundry so to speak.
I do believe that there is an increase in suicides among blacks. Especially young blacks. Our youth is under tremendous pressure to 'fit in.' I hear and see so many young ladies that are obsessed with trying to look like the women in music videos etc. I think the young men struggle to find their place as well. (Especially the ones with no fathers or distant fathers)
There is so much going on in our society and unfortunately sometimes the adults and parents just don't have a clue what's really going on with their children. My friend who is an educator sent me a link to a forum where there were young Indian girls trying to find ways to lighten their skin. I read it with dismay. They were actually discussing which products or methods worked best. Some of these young ladies were also suicidal because they felt that they were ugly because of their dark skin. These behaviors and thoughts are passed down from generation to generation. If momma or daddy is sick and doesn't get help what happens to their children? The cycle just continues.
Depression is very real and it can happen to anyone at anytime. When I was in high school my best friend was suicidal. She had tried to kill herself several times. The last day before Christmas break she went into the girl's restroom cracked her compact mirror and slit both of her wrists. Right in the middle of this she realized that she could really die and changed her mind and tried to seek help. She collapsed right outside of the bathroom door into the hallway. Our Vice Principal came and got her, called 911 and talked and encouraged her during the ride to the hospital. What happened next was truly unbelievable. The Vice Principal left the hospital and went into some woods and killed himself. He shot himself in the head. His wife said that he had been depressed for months.
My friend did get professional help and it saved her life. I think that as our society gets more and more materialistic we will continue to see a steady increase in suicides among all races. I've heard so many people say that life is just so hard.
It is so important for us to be attentive of our children, loved ones and friends. The signs are always there. Sometimes we get so busy that we miss the signs. Still Blutang, please seek help for your friend immediately. This may sound drastic but you may actually have to physically take her to a professional. There are groups for people who have lost a loved one. Call them and tell them your situation you may be able to get someone to come to her or you may have to take her to a meeting. I had to do this with a guy who was struggling with alcohol addiction. It had gotten way out of control. I called AA just to make sure that I was right that he had a problem. I found out when their next meeting was. I made sure that we were there. I didn't even tell him because he wouldn't have gone. I told him that I wanted him to go to a meeting with me. He was mad when he realized what it was. But he couldn't BS them. He had to admit he had a problem. It saved his life because he would have died from alcohol. It was that serious. I'm happy to say he's clean and still alive.
AKA Monet I believe that by you being honest and sharing your experience that it will save someone's life. There are many people who read these posts who aren't greek and never register but they're reading and watching none the less. Sometimes people feel that they are the only one going through. If you had the courage to share your story it may give someone else the courage to seek help.
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