Helpful Links related to Suicide, Bullying, Gay, and Mental Health Issues

Raymond Chase Commits Suicide: Fifth Gay Youth to Take Life in Three Weeks. (link below)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/01/raymond-chase-suicide_n_746989.html

Suicide, in general, has been something that I've been concerned about for years. A good friend of mine committed suicide when we were in high school. A dear friend committed suicide just a few years back.

I've also been concerned about Bullying for ages since I was bullied, and so were my children. We're not alone in this as many are bullied every day. In fact, to some degree, you might say that my family is currently being bullied by a few who don't like us.

Too many times the result of bullying is suicide. I know that I grew up with thoughts of suicide as a direct result of being bullied. It was a bitch.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (http://www.afsp.org/) has all kinds of suicide information. It's a valuable resource and organization.

Stop Bullying Now (http://www.stopbullyingnow.com/) has fantastic information.

There is also a government site through the Department of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) called, Stop Bullying Now, that has films and more for children and adults (http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/).

For those who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and/or Transgender these links may be helpful for both youth and adults:

The GLBT National Helpline (http://www.glnh.org/index2.html) offers phone and Internet support to all ages.

GLAAD, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, (http://www.glaad.org/)also has information for all.

Gay Family Support (http://www.gayfamilysupport.com/) offers support to parents who have gay children.

These are just a few of the websites that people can use to alleviate their suffering and take action to create a more compassionate and understanding world for all of us.

As always, I also suggest visiting the NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, (www.nami.org) simply because when it comes to suicide and bullying so many other factors come into play. People who are diagnosed with brain and mood disorders are far more often the victims of abuse than vice versa. The risks of suicide among those with Mental Health issues are greater than for the lay public. Coincidentally, National Mental Health Awareness week starts tomorrow (October 3 - 9, 2010).

I've often said that mean, ignorant people are the bane of my existence. Here is one post aimed at decreasing their numbers.

Peace be with you.