Suicide is a major public health problem that occurs throughout the year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for all Americans.

Where does this myth come from? We really aren’t sure. But I appreciate media outlets who report accurate information about suicide rates over the holidays.

The holidays are a stressful time for a lot of people. There is pressure to do more and give more. People tend to eat and drink more and sleep less. This is also during a time when Iowans are adjusting to less daylight. Although many people feel tired and stressed out during the holidays, this is often balanced with increased emotional support and feelings of connectedness from friends and family.

It would be wonderful if that “holiday feeling” continued throughout the year. What if we connected with friends and family during the spring and summer months as well?

If you or someone you know is dealing with seasonal depression or having thoughts of suicide, Foundation 2 can help. Please call our 24-hour crisis hotline at (319) 362-2174 or 1800-332-4224. You can also reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1877-273-TALK (8255).

On Tuesday November 27, 2012 charities, families, businesses and individuals are coming together to transform the way people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season.
Giving Tuesday serves as a nationwide day for including charities in our holiday celebrations. Holiday shopping can be both about saving and giving back to others in need.

The idea is simple. Instead of shopping for deals, take time to think about how you can help others in our area. This Tuesday, I challenge you to use what you saved buying deals on Friday and Monday, and donate that amount to a local charity. If you aren’t able to donate money, consider sharing the gift of your time and talent. Tell everyone you can what you are doing and why it matters. Share your donations of money or service online using #GivingTuesday. My hope is that Facebook and Twitter will be flooded with messages about how we are coming together to serve others.
Giving Tuesday is the kick off to giving season. Your donations help nonprofits like Foundation 2 make a difference in the lives of those in our community. #GivingTuesday

Make sure that your holiday spending and traditions truly reflect who you are.

In November, survivors of suicide loss come together at healing conferences in their communities and online for support and guidance.

If you have lost someone to suicide, this conference is for you. You’ll get to hear from other survivors about how they cope. The program also features experts sharing what we now know about suicide and grief.

· If you are recently bereaved, come for support, practical guidance & information.

· If you are further along in your journey of healing, please come to offer a compassionate ear, and to offer reassurance that it is possible to survive the tragedy of suicide loss.

Please plan to join Foundation 2 on November 17th to connect with others who have lost a loved one to suicide and to view a video featuring a panel of “experienced” survivors and mental health professionals talking openly about the questions so many newly bereaved survivor faces.

This year’s conference features local speaker– John Paul Derryberry. John shares his family’s story of tragedy and their path to recovery to shed light on how emotions, difficult moments, and life can change and shake us to our core.

What:14th Annual International Survivors of Suicide Day

When: Saturday, Nov 17, 10:00am to 1:30pm

Where: Marion Public Library, 1095 Sixth Ave, Marion, IA 52302

Cost: There is no charge for the conference but donations are gladly accepted

Please contact Nancy Oehlert or Sheryl McCormick at 319-362-2174 or email noehlert@foundation2.org with any questions. To help us prepare for this event, please RSVP. Registration will still be available on the day of the event.

Learn more online: http://www.foundation2.org/Events/20121117/346/14th-Annual-International-Survivors-of-Suicide-Day.aspx

One of the challenges that parents face is teaching kids to be cautious without making them feel fearful or unsafe. Unfortunately there are dangers in the world, but there are things that we can do to decrease the risk that your child is abducted.

There are simple things that you can do such as never leaving your child alone in the car or outside, even for a moment. Supervise them in public places such as the mall, grocery store and at play areas. Chose caregivers carefully and make sure your daycare or school has a list of people who are approved to pick up your child (or who should not have access to your child). Avoid dressing your child in clothing with their name on it as children tend to trust strangers who know their name.

One of the most helpful pieces to preventing child abduction is to have details about your child readily available if you need it. If your child is missing, investigators will want to know details such as your child’s age, height, weight, eye color, what they are wearing and a recent photo. One option for collecting this information is the free FBI Child ID app, which provides a convenient place to electronically store photos and vital information about your children so that it’s literally right at hand if you need it.

Make online safety a priority and talk to your kids about using the internet safely. ImOn printed a children’s educational coloring and activity book called “Meet Webby the Internet Safety Cat.” Foundation 2 has free copies available at our Food Pantry.

Talk to kids about strangers. Bring up topics such as not taking candy from strangers, running away and screaming “fire” if someone tries to grab them and never going anywhere with a stranger, even if they say they need help finding a lost puppy.

Should you really even bring up kidnapping with your kids? Yes. In light of the recent abduction of two girls in Evansdale, this is the right time to talk about kidnapping with your kids as this can be used to highlight the importance of staying safe. Kids do not need details which may frighten them. It is important to discuss safety issues with kids in an honest, age appropriate manner, using concrete examples of what to do in different situations.

Not sure how to start the conversation? Foundation 2 is here for you 24 hours, 7 days a week. Give our crisis center staff a call at (319) 362-2174. Together we can create a plan to keep our kids safe.

If users are vigilant, social media can be a powerful tool to provide support and assistance to those in crisis.

If you are concerned about someone’s post online, please take a moment to assess their risk and ask them if they are talking about suicide. Trust your suspicions and gently ask direct questions about whether they are depressed or thinking about suicide. You won’t “give them the idea” of suicide just by asking honest questions. The more detailed the plan, especially with available and lethal means, the greater the immediate risk.

Facebook recently launched a tool aimed at improving safety on its site, enabling an instant chat session for someone seeking help. Here’s how it works- if you spot a suicidal thought on a friend’s page, you can report it to Facebook by clicking a link next to the comment. Then Facebook sends an email to the person who posted the comment encouraging them to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or to click a link to begin a confidential chat. Crisis center staff is available 24/7 to respond to users who select the chat option. The Lifeline reports that they respond to dozens of users on Facebook each day.

If you are concerned about the safety of someone online, please take their posting seriously and act swiftly to help. If you don’t know how to start, Foundation 2 Crisis Center staff is happy to help you brainstorm options. You can reach us 24/7 at (319) 362-2174 or 1-800-332-4224.

Together, we can save lives.

-Elisabeth Kissling , Director of Development and Marketing, Foundation 2