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HEALTH AND WELNESS
SUICIDE : EXCHANGING THE WHY FOR COMPASSION
With the recent deaths of fashion designer , Kate Spade , and renowned chef , author , socio-political storyteller , and travel nomad , Anthony Bourdain , the discussion of suicide has come back to the forefront of media topics . In a world that promises riches and fame will make you happy , we see that even the highest forms of success will not bring true peace and meaning in life . The untimely deaths of these two individuals bring a great deal of sadness because of the incredible void that they have left in their respective professional fields . It is also a reminder of the frailties of humanity and the despair that ensues when hope becomes diminished . The discussion of suicide is a much needed conversation that is often taboo because of the pain and shame that surrounds its victims and the trail
DON ’ T GET LEFT OUT IN THE DARK
As summer thunderstorms roll through Georgia and hurricane season nears , it is a good time to think about what to prepare for a power outage . You do not have to be a “ prepper ” to be smart about emergency preparedness !
Prepare a 3-day supply of food and water : In a widespread outage , like Hurricane Irma last year , it usually takes about 3 days to get everyone ’ s power back on . It is your decision if you want to live off peanut butter sandwiches for 3 days or something a little more involved . Plan for 1 gallon of bottled water per person per day . Good options include granola bars , canned fruits and vegetables , trail mix , and “ comfort items ” like coffee and chocolate to keep morale high .
Make a plan for your perishable food : Perishable food held above 40 ° F must be discarded after 4 hours to avoid food poisoning . A refrigerator will only hold safe temperatures for about 4 hours , even if you never open the door , so make a plan to move items into coolers with ice packs . A half-full freezer can hold temperature for 24 hours , while a full freezer can hold temperature for 48 hours . The only reliable way to gauge these temperatures is with an appliance thermometer . of unanswered questions that it leaves behind for loved ones . Suicide can be silent and infectious . Sometimes the warning signs are visible and sometimes they are not . In many cases suicide can stem from severe depression that goes unresolved or other mental health issues .
Here are some of the warning signs that friends and family can lookout for : Isolation . Lack of zeal and the loss of interest in activities that used to be a source of joy . Self-harming behavior or recent trauma / crisis . Changes in appearance .
The burdens of life aren ’ t meant to be carried alone . I could not discuss suicide without mentioning that there is also an enemy of the soul that seeks to destroy and usurp purpose and the will to live . As a community and society , let ’ s be more compassionate , empathetic , and sensitive to the needs of those around us . A phone call to simply check-in , paying someone a visit just because , or an act of kindness helps people to be reminded that
When you hear the forecast : Gather a few pots and pans , spatulas , paper products , and a can opener . Place lanterns , headlamps and spare batteries in the same area ; these light sources free up your hands . Check what is in your refrigerator and freezer and formulate a plan . See what will fit in your coolers , what you need to eat first and what you want to freeze . Talk to your family about what to expect and to avoid someone eating meal components . Gather activities that do not require power , like books , puzzles , and games to pass the time .
When the power goes out : Campfires , grills and camp stoves produce poisonous gases , so never use these methods indoors . Remember food safety 101 ; wash your hands and your dishes frequently , separate meat and other foods to avoid cross contamination , cook foods all the way through ( using a food thermometer ) and minimize leftovers .
When the power comes back : Immediately take an inventory ; if food has ice crystals , it can be refrozen . If it ’ s thawed but never got above 40 ° F , you can cook and refreeze . If you do not have a thermometer , rely on the old adage “ when in doubt , throw it out !”
Then make a plan for next time , while the subject is fresh , so you can do even better next time . The Extension office has a great handout about what to keep and what to throw away . Find it here : www . fcs . uga . edu / docs /
For more information , contact the Extension office or visit our website at www . extension . uga . edu / county-offices / rockdale .
By MaryBeth Hornbeck , UGA Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Foodinmyfridgeafterpoweroutage . pdf
For more information , contact the Extension office or visit our website at www . extension . uga . edu / county-offices / rockdale . they are indeed loved and that their lives matter . Sometimes the strongest become the weakest . Leaning on the strength of others when the world appears to be falling apart can be healing in the midst of suffering . * This article is written as a means to educate and bring about awareness in regards to suicide . Every case and individual is unique and the information provided cannot take the place of seeking help through
Education : This time of year is when boys and girls , men and women are either beginning to embark on their educational journey or have completed the requirements to close a chapter in their quest for academic success . We are challenging ourselves , stretching our minds , meeting new acquaintances , making new friends , or maybe leaving family or longtime friends behind . Perhaps this is your first time leaving home and being on your own . A flood of emotions is to be expected , such as moments of fear , feeling alone , excitement , anxiousness , and perhaps questions or doubts about choices and timing .
On The other hand , you may not be beginning an adventure and leaving home as all of your peers are preparing to do . That ’ s ok too . We don ’ t have to go off to college to learn . Perhaps , your journey will continue in the community you grew up in . You can learn right where you are .
Know that these feelings , thoughts , and actions are usually considered normal .
JULY 2018
counseling or inpatient care under the supervision of a physician or a licensed professional . If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide please go the nearest hospital and / or call The Georgia Crisis Line at 1-800-715-4225 or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800- 273-8255 .
By Renee Bryan M . Ed ., M . A . LAPC
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IN SEARCH OF MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS ; ACROSS 12 SECTORS AND BEYOND ...
They are part of your growing experience . Using healthy coping tools will assist you in becoming all that you were designed to be . Change is healthy . Taking risks is a necessary part of life . Just remember , that there are healthy risks as well as unhealthy risks . Trust your instincts and stay in tune with who you are becoming . Maintain a healthy outlook , mentally , emotionally , spiritually and physically . Develop a stable support system . Stay true to your value system . Anything and anyone that wants to isolate you is trouble .
I like to think of education as an investment . In my studies , I found that the more I learned , the more I wanted to know . I realized how much I did not know . For me , this is still true today . Don ’ t be afraid to ask for help . We will never know it all , but we do our best . We are not competing ; we are just working to achieve our goals and fulfill our dreams .
Make the best of your educational journey without letting the negative pressure from others affect the Godgiven gifts and talents within you . Only you can be the best you . Stay true to your hopes and dreams and don ’ t let failures discourage you . Failures will come . They are a part of life . Just remember that failure is not who you are . I read that they are stepping stones to success .
Some may be feeling like they can ’ t wait to get away from parents . You may be thinking you can finally live your life the way you want to . Spoiler alert ! There will always be rules , duties , and responsibilities no matter where life takes you . But go and live your life . Just remember as someone once said , “ Life can only be understood backwards , but it must be lived forwards …” You don ’ t want to look back and wish “ I woulda , coulda , shoulda …” Make the best of the time given . We wish you well and pray God ’ s best for you !
By Paula Christian- Stallworth
LPC , CADC II , CPCS , CCDP-D , CJSOC
The Listening Ear LLC - Counseling Center