My First Blog

Hello everyone!!

As one could obviously see from the title of this entry, this is my first blog on this site. I decided to title this "complete series" in such a way that it would be easy to see the focus of my blogs for at least the next ten weeks. I've heard that the only time that you won't learn is when you aren't breathing. I know it's kind of harsh, but I'm beginning to see that it is very true. So My blog will cover things that I learn (in relation to my major of course). Well since the introduction is out of the way, I believe now will be the perfect time to let this knowledge leak from my brain to your computer screen. Here goes...



On the first day of lecture in my SCWK 200 class, I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into. The semester began with a QPR, which is a suicide prevention presentation. We were given a handout and information on how to see the signs of possible suicidal thoughts. Now, I just turned 20 and I come from a small town. If I can remember correctly I've only had to deal with suicide once. I never really knew how to tell if a person was almost at the "point of NO return" so, this was all new to me. Well, the major point that stuck out the most to me was that most people who have had thoughts of suicide will reconsider if someone is willing to talk with them.... or simply JUST LISTEN. Just watching the presentation proved to be a very emotional experience for me because I began to worry about some very important people in my life...

Well to get back to the point, I would like to share the knowledge that I gained from that experience.

1. Please, please take the time to listen when someone says that they want to talk. Don't just compare everything that they are talking about to a situation in your life, because that could possibly make them feel worse. QUESTION them about suicide if necessary.
   
2. If someone tells you that they've had suicidal thoughts, do better than your best to PERSUADE them to receive the help that they need.
3. If you aren't sure how to approach certain situations, make sure that you REFER that person to someone who can.
4. (This one is something that I feel will also help in the situation) Prove to that person that you actually do care about them and their well being. Don't just be a part time friend. Be trustworthy, loving, and caring at all times because you never know... the smallest display of affection could be what they needed to bring them back from the tipping point.

Well, now that I've shared my knowledge I hope that you will do the same. Please pass this on. Not many people know how well these points work or how to handle suicide. Knowledge is Power, people! Become Powerful!!!!

Love, & Happiness to all.