Tag Archives: Women

Middle-Age Women are Increasing the U.S. Suicide Rate

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argueI read this article on Fox News today and it really has me asking….Why?

In the article it says:

“Historically, suicide prevention programs have focused on groups considered to be at highest risk — teens and young adults of both genders as well as elderly white men,” she continued. “This research tells us we need to refocus our resources to develop prevention programs for men and women in their middle years.”

But they also admit, “..authors said the reasons for the increased suicide rate are not fully understood..”

I have shared before about my battle with depression, it took MANY years for me to admit what it really was and how I should deal with it. When I did deal with it, it has helped my day to day living tremendously (not to say it is not still a battle sometimes).

But I would love to hear your thoughts in why there has been a shift or an increase in suicide in middle age women. Not men, not teens….WOMEN.

I am going to assume many of these women who have kids, their kids are a bit older (the age range given in the study was 40 to 64), so it is not the young stay at home Moms but the Moms who are a bit older and who possibly have been married for many years (or single for many years) and have kids middle school, high school or older.

What is causing this increase in despair for these women?

Do we place to much on our plate? Family, working, taking care of parents, etc…

There is no right or wrong answer but I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on why this has increased. I truly don’t know, that is why I would love your thoughts.

Put your feet up – Doctor’s orders.

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RelaxationMany of us dream about having a day where we put our feet up and relax. When life is spinning out of control that is all you can think about, when is it going to stop? Recently I had some out-patient surgery that was suppose to be a “no big deal,” turn into a medium big deal. I am fine, but I was instructed to relax, not lift anything, and put my feet up.

Dreaming about something and then actually getting what you want is sometimes two different things. Believe me I enjoyed not having to go to work and I enjoy sleeping whenever I wanted, but I was still unsettled. As I sat on my couch all day long, I thought of the dishes that needed to be done or the laundry that should be cleaned or rooms that need to be picked up. I would feel fine when I was obeying the Doctors orders – laying still and relaxing. But despite those instructions I still tried to get up and load the dishwasher or pick up a few things and what I got were shooting pains reminding me I was not following directions.

How many times do we do that when we are following God’s will? I am not saying life is easy when we are in God’s will, but we have peace no matter what is going on around us. When we step out on our own, that is when the chaos begins to get to us and we can not understand why we feel so stressed all the time. Remember Peter walking on water, it was not until he took his eyes off the Lord that he realized waves crashing all around him.

So I sit here and let my body heal and learn to relax knowing that everything can get done another day. The Lord knows ‘being still’ is something I need more practice with.

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Post Script: I have learned if you just sit still and put your feet up you get the blessing of talking on the phone to two bloggers that you have never talked to in real life before. WHAT A BLESSING!

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PSS: And if you sit REALLY still and don’t move, then these just might arrive at your door and totally surprise you. I am totally speechless, THANK YOU.

My ramblings, organized.

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I have seen this on several blogs and enjoyed reading the entries so much I thought I would give it a try.

Outside my window… the clouds are overcast and the trees are very green. Last week we got a lot of rain.


I am thinking… that I am not ready for football to begin again. My boys are gearing up and I am doing tons of paper work to get them ready.


I am thankful for… the time I spent with my parents the last week and half. We had a great time visiting Magic Kingdom, Mom and I did some damage at an outlet mall, and Dad saw my boys win a basketball game. It was a good time had by all, but I think my sister is glad to have them back home to help with her new baby.


From the kitchen… I need to do some grocery shopping. The natives are beginning to complain there is nothing to eat. I think I will go tonight during basketball practice.


I am creating… a cover sheet for something. Is that vague enough for you =) Seriously, my first thought is I hope I am creating peace in the midst of boy chaos.


I am going… to read tonight and relax, after grocery shopping that is.


I am wearing… a new Chico’s shirt and some blue comfortable slacks.


I am reading… well I just finished a good book called “The SweetGum Knit Lit Society” by Beth Pattillo and I just began “Diary of a Teenage Girl” by Melody Carlson.


I am hoping… to get time to do some digital scrapbooking this weekend. I have not had the time lately.


I am hearing… quiet for the first time today, subject to change any second by a boy bursting through my front door along with neighbor kids.


Around the house… my dog is leaving little toy shreddings. I need to buy him a new toy, tired of vacuuming.


One of my favorite things… is this new coffee blend I bought called “Pumpkin Pecan” Coffee by Harry & David. It is yummy. Also I bought these Fun Flops, they ROCK!


A few plans for the rest of the week…. is to relax, sign boys up for the football this weekend, head over to my in-laws to swim possibly.


Here is a picture I am sharing with you… (a proud Mom and her boys)

Mom and her boys