SUICIDE

Early in the morning of April 13, 2010, my youngest brother was holding a gun in his right hand (he was left handed) at an extremely odd angle that would of been near impossible and shot him self in the head.
He was 27 years old and left behind a 2 year old daughter and a 22 year old wife.

I have a really hard time believing it was a suicide.  I had just talked to him two days before and he was busy with working on the house and taking care of his daughter.  He seemed happy to talk to me and when I said "I love you enough."  He gave his laugh that said I know Sis I know.  It meant just in case something happens to me  I have loved you enough to last till eternity. When he was little he knew it meant also see you there.
There being our mansions in heaven.

As an adult my brother did not like organized religions.  HECK me either!

I AM NOT A BEER CHUGGIN', POT TRIPPIN', DRUG DEALIN', CHRISTIAN!
I AM A GOD LOVIN', SATAN SLAMMIN', JESUS FREAKIN', WORLD CHANGIN', CHRISTIAN!
I AM A WARRIOR FOR CHRIST!
by Rachel Joy Scott (shot for her faith, Columbine school shootings, April 1999)

Lets look at some statistics:

Suicide is listed in men between the ages of 18 and 29 in the top ten causes of death, ranked as high as third and as low as 6th.

According to the Mayo Clinic, men are more likely than women to commit suicide because they are more likely to use deadlier means, such as firearms.  Depression is one of the most important risk factors in suicide.  Unfortunately, male depression is under-diagnosed because men are less likely to seek help and because men don’t always develop standard symptoms, such as sadness, but instead are more likely to experience fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, and a loss of interest in work and hobbies. (Mayo Clinic)

About Depression

According to the Men’s Health Network, depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S.  In some cases, it can be caused by a deficit of the chemicals in the body that are responsible for maintaining energy.  Having a family member with depression also increases your risk and major life crises may make it worse.  Fortunately, in most cases, depression is treatable.  If you are depressed, be sure to see a doctor right away.  Waiting will only make it worse for you and those loved ones around you.  (Men’s Health Network)

Statistics

According to the CDC:

• In 2004, more than 32,000 suicides occurred in the U.S.  This is the equivalent of 89 suicides per day; one suicide every 16 minutes or 11 suicides per 100,000 people.
• Males take their own lives at nearly four times the rate of females and represent 79 percent of all U.S. suicides.
• Among males, adults ages 75 years and older have the highest rate of suicide -- 37 percent per 100,000.
• Firearms are involved in 57 percent of suicides among males, making it the most commonly used method for men.
• The number of deaths from suicide reflects only a small portion of the impact of suicidal behavior.  In 2002, more than 90,000 people were hospitalized following suicide attempts.

Symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, people at risk of suicide may:

• Be depressed, moody, socially withdrawn or aggressive
• Have suffered a recent life crisis
• Show changes in personality
• Feel worthless
• Abuse alcohol or drugs
• Have frequent thoughts about death
• Talk about death and self-destruction

Prevention

Don’t expect to overcome depression by yourself.  It is a disease, not something that you will just “get over.”  If you are depressed, talk to your doctor.  In an urgent situation, go to an emergency room or crisis center for help.  Also, take advice from friends and family members if they are encouraging you to seek help.  They are often the first ones to notice. (Mayo Clinic)

Also, work to improve your emotional health and well-being.  When stress doesn’t go away, it begins to weaken your immune system and increase your risk of developing a number of physical and mental conditions. The Men’s Health Network recommends some lifestyle changes to help you cope:

• Take Care of Yourself – Exercise, eat well and get plenty of sleep.
• Meditate – It has been shown to lower blood pressure and relieve tension.
• Talk to Someone Else – It creates a support network.
• Prioritize – Save the least important things for later.
• Know Your Limits – Sometimes it isn’t bad to just walk away.
• Don’t Self-Mediate – Don’t turn to alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

What do we do when we encounter these?
Where do we go?
How do we become part of their solution without going down the road our selves?

The only answer I have is prayer.
The only thing I know works is prayer.
No matter what we ask we get an answer.... we just have to remember sometimes the answer is not one we want to hear. 
I think in this situation the Lord is going to use you deeply and it will change you forever.
If we only know the problem exists before it is to late.

No matter how big or small the prayer. If you need someone to pray for you please post it here.
HHC

http://www.idph.state.il.us/menshealth/healththreats.htm#8