Good evening Listeners!

This episode has great meaning to me because it centers around the loss of life of a child who was someone's son, brother, nephew, cousin, godson and best friend The individual intentionally planned an early exit from Earth because of a world in which he was constantly bullied, belittled and frowned upon almost daily because he was considered too nerdy and he was much shorter and smaller than normal kids his age!

On another note, I also want everyone to understand that the life of a child taken way too soon happens far too often in this country and around the world daily. We, as parents, guardians and adults must place greater emphasis on our children, especially in today’s complicated and dangerous world, so let’s be sure that we all do our parts in protecting the most precious resource ever given to Man and Woman, and that resource is, God’s Children!

If you know someone, or even know of someone who seems like they are in distress and might possibly hurt themselves, please have a conversation with them or someone who can help the matter. However, you must do so as soon as possible and not wait because you do not wish to rat the person out. We are too far into this world to leave situations that we are fully aware of unresolved, therefore waiting until the worst happens! I charge everyone to jump in feet first and help someone that you know is or even seems like they might be suicidal!

Additional Information: Factors Contributing to Suicide Risk

Individual Risk Factors

• Previous suicide attempt.
• History of depression and other mental illnesses.
• Serious illnesses such as chronic pain.
• Criminal/legal problems.
• Job/financial problems or loss.
• Impulsive or aggressive tendencies.
• Substance use.
• Current or prior history of adverse childhood experiences.
• Sense of hopelessness

Violence victimization and/or perpetration

Relationship Risk Factors

These harmful or hurtful experiences within relationships contribute to risk:

• Bullying
• Family/loved one's history of suicide
• Loss of relationships
• High conflict or violent relationships
• Social isolation

Community Risk Factors

These challenging issues within a person's community contribute to risk:

• Lack of access to healthcare
• Suicide cluster in the community
• Stress of acculturation
• Community violence
• Historical trauma
• Discrimination

Societal Risk Factors

These cultural and environmental factors within the larger society contribute to risk:

• Stigma associated with help-seeking and mental illness
• Easy access to lethal means of suicide among people at risk
• Unsafe media portrayals of suicide

Additional Information: Circumstances that Protect against Suicide Risk

Individual Protective Factors

These personal factors protect against suicide risk:

• Effective coping and problem-solving skills
• Reasons for living (for example, family, friends, pets, etc.)
• Strong sense of cultural identity

Relationship Protective Factors

These healthy relationship experiences protect against suicide risk:

• Support from partners, friends, and family
• Feeling connected to others

Community Protective Factors

These supportive community experiences protect against suicide risk:

• Feeling connected to school, community, and other social institutions
• Availability of consistent and high quality physical and behavioral healthcare

Societal Protective Factors

These cultural and environmental factors within t

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