Monday, June 13, 2011

Reach Out!





I was amazed with the statement from the video that stated suicide was the 3rd largest cause of  death among youth between 15-25.  After checking my facts from the CDC,  I was even more appalled at the information given there.  According to the CDC , suicide is the third largest cause of death  for youth from 10-24 years old. According to this statistic that means 4400 young people loose their  life every year senselessly.   I AM/WAS shocked that this statistic included 10 year old children.

As I read these stats, I wondered  in consternation  how  a 10, 11, 12,  year old  child could get so very lost - to the point of trying to end their  life.   I can only imagine the pain  children must be experiencing if they are willing to go to this length to stop it.   It breaks my heart, and it makes me want to just hug every child  I see, letting them know what a fantastic, wonderful, creature God has created in them.   I wish there really was fairy magic, and I could jump around the world hugging every child I met.

Unfortunately I have to deal with reality and logistics so hugging every child on the planet might be impossible, but I can let the children in my world  know someone cares about them and just how very special each and everyone of them are.    I can also get this message out to everyone I know.   We all need to be vigilant about saving these young people and making this statistic a thing of the past.

Below I've shared some important information to be aware of when dealing with  young people as well as some important numbers and websites to notify if you or someone you know need help.


Factors that increase the risk of suicide

v  A psychological disorder, especially depression, bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drug use (in fact, approximately 95% of people who die by suicide have a psychological disorder at the time of death)
v  Feelings of distress, irritability, or agitation
v  Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness that often accompany depression (a teen, for example, who experiences repeated failures at school, who is overwhelmed by violence at home, or who is isolated from peers is likely to experience such feelings)
v  A previous suicide attempt
v  A family history of depression or suicide (depressive illnesses may have a genetic component, so some teens may be predisposed to suffer major depression)
v  Physical or sexual abuse
v  Lack of a support network, poor relationships with parents or peers, and feelings of social isolation
v  Dealing with homosexuality in an unsupportive family or community or hostile school environment

Warning Signs

v  Talk about suicide or death in general
v  Talk about "going away"
v  Talk about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty
v  Pull away from friends or family
v  Lose the desire to take part in favorite things or activities
v  Have trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
v  Experience changes in eating or sleeping habits
v  Self-destructive behavior (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or driving too fast, for example)

Potential Triggers for Suicide 

v  Death of a parent.
v  Divorce of parents.
v  Feeling like a "pawn" that is being used between feuding, divorced parents.
v  Joining a new family with a step-parent and step-siblings.
v  Breaking up with a boyfriend / girlfriend.
v  Moving to a new community.
v  Not feeling accepted by peers.
v  Being ridiculed by classmates.
v  Feeling misunderstood.
v  Any experience perceived to be "humiliating."
v  Alcohol abuse.
v  Drug abuse.
v  Being bullied by classmates.


Getting Help and Information








1 800-SUICIDE  or 1 800-999-9999

1-866-661-3311

1-800-273-talk   or 1 800-273-8255


Remember YOU are a beautiful, wonderful, creation of the Master of the Universe... 
Remember to remind someone everyday that they are too!   


Sunday, June 5, 2011

Attention Writers!


Attention Writers! True Blood on Twitter Writing Contest

JUNE 5, 2011
by bc
True Blood on Twitter RP group would like to invite you to participate in our first writing contest. If you’ve ever imagined that you could write a scene for some of your favorite True Blood™ characters, this is your opportunity to do just that.
We have chosen three “sneak peek” video previews for the upcoming Season 4 as inspiration for you to create the story of what happened next. The following are links to those promos. Choose one as the starting point for your story and let your imagination take over.
Our panel of judges will choose first, second and third place winners from the submissions and True Blood on Twitter group members will act the winning story out, live on Twitter, as a special event leading up to Sunday, June 26 and the first episode of Season 4 of True Blood™. Second and third place entries will be performed at a later date. First place prize is a copy of True Blood: The Complete Third Season on DVD. Runner up prizes will also be awarded for the second and third place winners.
Deadline for submissions is Midnight central time, Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011.
Rules and judging guidelines can be found under the links to the promo videos. Watch them and choose which story you’d like to continue. Good luck and we look forward to reading your entries.
1.       Pam, Marnie & Tara
2.       Arlene & Terry
3.       Pam, Jessica & Hoyt
RULES
  • Submissions should be a minimum of 1,500 words and no longer than 4,000 words.
  • Each writer can submit up to a maximum of three (3) separate stories.
  • Contest ends at Midnight central time, Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011
  • All contest submissions should be sent to: TBonTContest@gmail.com
JUDGING
Our panel of judges will be looking equally for…
  • Creativity and originality (including structure, flow, development of characters, and so on)
  • Potential for roleplay (including audience-appropriateness and appeal).
  • Technical ability (such as writing and compositional skills, presentation, form, spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.)
  • Stories should get the viewer’s attention and keep it. Beginning, middle, end, and overall pacing are very important. The dialogue needs to provide insight and the visuals must be compelling. The voice of the characters should be clear and strong. Overall impact of the piece will be the major criteria in the evaluation process.
  • Creativity will carry a weight of up to 10 points; other categories carry a weight of up to 5 points. Winners will be determined by the highest cumulative score.
JUDGES

Time flies

Wow I can't believe I haven't blogged here since March, it's amazing how time gets away from me.  As cliche as it, I do wish I had an extra 8 hours in the day.   Unfortunately that's not the case so I'm going to try and learn to juggle all my projects and do them all justice.  I also have decided to start sharing some photo stories as well as some other types of  creative endeavors.    I'm really trying to find my way to make this blog an extension of my own creativity and love of beauty.   So bear with me as I try and get this all worked out.