Did you know National Suicide Prevention week starts tomorrow? Authorities state that: “Every 17 minutes in America someone commits suicide.”
Because my daughter has been on the verge of many dark nights when only God held back her hand from ending her life, I know how difficult it is for a mom or dad to understand what it’s like to be suicidal, then find a way to function while this dark cloud hangs low over their heads. There aren’t many other things that have the power to produce more terror in the heart of a parent.
I want to share a great resource with you today It’s one of the foremost books on the subject, written by one of the leading authorities: Night Falls Fast by Kay Redfield Jamison. It will increase your understanding about this epidemic that’s sweeping the country, leaving a wake of grief and pain in its path.
It may surprise you how Jamison, teaching professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, knows so much about suicide. She herself was nearly one of its victims, struggling with bipolar disorder for decades.
PhD in psychiatry, Jamison truly knows what she’s talking about in every sense of the word.
The back cover describes it as, “the first major book in a quarter century on suicide, and its terrible pull on the young in particular… Where it has become one of the most common killers of Americans between ages of 15 and 45.
An internationally acknowledged authority on depressive illnesses, Dr. Jamison has also known suicide first hand: After years of struggling with manic depression (bipolar), she tried at age twenty-eight to kill herself.
This is a book that helps you understand the suicidal mind, recognize and come to the aid of those at risk, and comprehend the profound effects on those left behind.”
Here’s what others say about Night Falls Fast:
“A profound an impassioned book…it will stand as the authoritative study of suicide for many years.”
“This powerful book will change people’s lives – and, doubtless, save a few.”
“Jamison brings us face-to-face with the suicidal mind in a manner so intense and penetrating… A drama as narratively compelling as anyone might see on the stage.” -The Washington Post Book World
“A sweeping, authoritative look at suicide…her experience brings passion to every page of the book…”
“A must read for anyone who has thought of suicide or loves someone who has…from the first page, she hooks the reader, blending scholarship, life experience and keen writing ability.”
Kay felt compelled to write this book for two reasons: She strongly believes there are treatments that could save lives, and that the future holds great promise for the intelligent and compassionate care of the suicidal mentally ill. Throughout the world, public health officials are seeking a strategy that can decrease the death rate of suicide. I hope they they hurry.
If you feel discouraged, then you need this next book:
Do Not Lose Heart by Dave and Jan Dravecky. Former pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, Dravecky’s bout with cancer resulted in the removal of his left arm and ended his career. But, he did not lose heart. In his suffering, he found unquenchable hope.
Full of wisdom and promises of Scripture you’ll find their book full of encouragement and comfort.
These words of truth have done that for me many times:
“As they (whose strength is in God) pass through the valley of Baca (weeping; arid stretches), they make it a place of springs . . . they go from strength to strength. . .” (Psalm 84:6-7a)
Reblogged this on Anchor Of Promise and commented:
An honest review on a book to help parents understand the dynamics of suicide. It is a topic that none of us should put aside. Thank you to my friends Hope For Hurting Parents for sharing this information.