With September (Suicide Prevention Month) now behind us, we can use some of our
thoughts and learnings to move forward. As you know, September is a very special month in the Athenie’s Angels world. In 2008 the US declared September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. But before that, in 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared World Suicide Prevention Day – also in September.
We can now move forward in our quest to understand mental health and provide a safe place for ourselves and those we love. No matter where we are, we can stop and think about the importance of these dates as we reflect on the devastating effect suicide has on all those affected by it. Loves Ones. Friends. Family. Neighbors. Colleagues. Suicide does not discriminate and can turn your world upside down and inside out. Life as you knew it no longer exists when you lose someone to suicide.
So, we join in harmony and peace and love to help those who struggle with mental ill health. And try to find ways to help them express their pain. And manage their pain. And find a place to be whole again. To be happy and well again. To find another path that does not include suicide.
And we join together to help our loved ones who are suffering from the loss of special loved one. They need our support as they move through their grief and try to regain a foothold on life again.
Anti suicide efforts can focus on:
- Educating the public on how to recognize warning signs of suicide.
- Reducing the stigma that often prevents people from getting help.
- Providing resources for individuals who are struggling and for those who are concerned about someone else.
- Fostering hope and reminding people that help is available.
Write it down
Write down your thoughts, fears, dreams, hopes. Last month we discussed the importance of finding an outlet (or outlets) to express your emotions.
Some people are afraid to put pen to paper. Or to capture thoughts on their laptop or Ipad. Please don’t be afraid. Give it a try. It may be easier than you imagined it to be. You can start with five minutes a day and see where you go…
Keeping a journal is more than just jotting down your thoughts; it’s a transformative journey that can enhance self-awareness, manage stress, and promote emotional healing. You will find benefits that you didn’t anticipate. Here are a few:
Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness
Journaling provides a safe and private space to explore your innermost thoughts and feelings. You can better understand your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours by putting pen to paper. This self-reflection can increase self-awareness, helping you identify patterns and triggers that affect your well-being. This newfound insight allows you to make positive changes and build healthier habits.
Journaling for Stress Reduction
Writing in a journal can serve as a therapeutic release valve for stress. Research has shown that expressive writing can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. By putting your worries on paper, you can gain control over your emotions and reduce their intensity. Journaling can lead to improved mental clarity and a greater sense of calm.
Emotional Healing
Journaling can be vital for processing and healing from emotional traumas or challenging life experiences. Writing about these experiences allows you to explore your feelings in a safe environment, facilitating emotional catharsis and closure. It can also help you reframe negative thoughts and find silver linings in difficult situations, fostering resilience.
A panacea for modern life
Scientific studies have shown benefits like a boost in mindfulness, memory and communication skills. Better sleep. A stronger immune system. More self-confidence. AND believe it or not – a higher IQ!!!
Junk Journaling
What is this?? Simply put – it is a creative practice of making books from old recycled, reused materials. Old book pages, photos, magazines, maps (remember them? fabric scraps, cereal boxes, leaves, twigs, feathers.
Add some paint. Or markers. Or crayons. And create a piece of art that reflects your inner thoughts. You might be surprised at your creativity.
Some ideas to get you started
- Ask some of these questions:
- What baggage have I picked up since I was little?
- What do I like? What do I dislike? What do I value?
- What makes me laugh? What scares me?
- What kind of people do I want to be around? What do I value in a friend?
- What lessons have I learned from hard times? Or good times?
What you can write about has no restrictions or limits. And the joy and serenity it may bring you could be immeasurable.
Below are some words from a friend who endured the tragic loss of her teenage son. – without any warning – without any outward signs of his distress. He was a young man with friends. And activities. And potential. And a loving family. But something inside him drove him to take his own life.
After his death, his dad wrote about him – in a journal that captured his anger and sorrow. And his poetry. And how his world was torn apart. After several years – yes years – he was able to move forward. He claims the written word helped him to continue to function. And love. To this day he has a weekly tennis game with his son’s best friend. To remember him. To honor him. To reembrace the gift of life.
His writing attempts to deal with his overwhelming grief, adjust to the daily realities of his loss, make sense of the tragedy of suicide, and begin the task of rebuilding his life.
This is how he explained it -“journal writing (and poetry) from a father’s perspective helped with the intense emotional questions surrounding suicide. When I finally surfaced from the deep anguish and depressive despair, I gained the strength to share our story, bringing us through the initial stages of shock and denial culminating in recovery.
He asked us to share his story with you in our newsletter. Here are some of his words that might help you. Remember – there is power and strength in language.
You too can find the strength to heal.
So, start writing!!
What is next?
Athenies Angels has a rich program of seminars and activities to help with the healing.
In past months we have discussed many approaches. We encourage you to visit our website at www.atheniesangels.org.au
Upcoming events:
Thriving in the Middle – will take place at the Pullman Hotel on Wednesday 29th of October from 5:30 to 7:30p. Secure your tickets from Eventbrite. This is to celebrate Menopause Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on women’s physical and mental health.
Journey to Joy – Annual Event – Our much-loved annual event, Journey to Joy, will take place on Sunday November 23. This is a special in person gathering to celebrate community, healing and joy. To properly anticipate the day, we ask that you make a booking for this free ticketed event.
Visit our website www.atheniesangels.org.au or on our socials, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok for more information.
Reach Out – We are a space of hope!