| Suicide Resources and Information |
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In 2004, the metro area of Colorado Springs had the second-highest suicide rate compared with 53 other larger cities. Through the years 2000-2007 El Paso County had an annual rate of suicide that equalled or surpassed the rates for the entire state of Colorado.
There are many theories as to why El Paso County and Colorado Springs in particular have such alarmingly high rates of suicide. Pikes Peak Behavioral Health Group and Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership partnered together to hold a conference addressing this issue on May 20, 2009. You can read more about that here.
The loss of a friend, family member, co-worker, and even acquaintance is devastating. Survivors- those who have lost a loved-one to suicide- are left grappling with why this has happened and agonizing over what they could have done to prevent such a tragedy.
For those of you who may be feeling suicidal:
Call for help. Call a friend, family member, co-worker, or organization:
Suicide Prevention Hotline 719-596-LIFE(5433)
National Suicide Crisis Line: 1800-273-TALK(8255)
Colorado Anti-Violence Program: 1888-557-4441
Feeling suicidal does not make you weak or bad. It is a sign of a serious illness. Having the thought that you want to kill yourself DOES NOT mean you have to act on it. Wait out the feeling, because chances are if you can wait 24 hours you will feel differently. The important thing is to tell someone so you can get the help you need. Here are some websites that may help you:
www.sppppr.org
www.thetrevorproject.org
www.metanoia.org/suicide/
For family members or friends who know someone who may be feeling suicidal:
-take suicide threats seriously
-ask someone clearly "are you feeling suicidal right now?"
- asking the question does not cause someone to feel suicidal, rather it lets them voice how they're feeling and lets them know you understand
-be non-judgmental and validating
-if they're under 18, let an adult know; it's not a secret worth keeping
-you can also call the Suicide Prevention Partnership: 719-573-7447 and check their website for more suggestions on how you can help: www.sppppr.org
-call the National Association of Mental Illness at 719-473-8477 & the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance at 477-1515 for info on family support groups.
Understanding what you're loved-one is going through can help you cope as well.
For those of you who have survived the loss of a loved-one to suicide: Know that there are places you can go for support as you learn to cope with this loss. Some things that may help to remember:
-the intensity of the grief you feel will be overwhelming so give yourself time and room to grieve
-you won't "get over" this loss and be aware of people who may tell you that you should.
-be gentle with yourself, especially during holidays and anniversaries that may remind you of special times with your loved-one.
More information for you can be found at: www.survivorsofsuicide.com ; Heartbeat Support Group at 719-596-2575. Also, try the numbers and websites above for additional information and resources that may be helpful to you.
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Theresa has been a Volunteer at the Pride Center for the past two and a half years. She says that she chose to volunteer at the Pride Center because of her nephew, who was gay and who also died by suicide. She is willing to share her thoughts and feelings on how his death has affected her:
"James was 22 years young when he left this world. He was a kind, gentle boy full of stories and dreams and love. Whenever my sister came to town he stayed at his favorite Aunt Theresa’s house the entire time. He was welcomed and loved here by all of us. He chose to leave . . . when he was 22. Please remember there are people in your life that love you and must go on with their lives missing you, waiting for that phone call that never comes and remembering your sweet smile and that lovely laugh that they will not hear again. Then comes the guilt I carry. Why didn’t I do more? Why didn’t you call me? I have to miss you every day James because you left such a big heart print on my heart. In the name of his memory PLEASE reach out. I still miss James and sometimes I smile, sometimes I cry. Most of the time I feel that I let him down."
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 I'm only 22... and I have Cancer?
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A Quiz for the Guys
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Q: What’s the most common type of cancer in men ages 20 – 34?
A: Testicular cancer most often strikes white and/or Hispanic men in their 20’s and 30’s. (It’s very rare among men of Asian or African descent.) It can be fatal, but it’s very curable when caught early!
Q: How do I do a self-check for testicular cancer?
A: The best time to check is right after a shower, when everything is loose and supple. One at a time, take each testicle in your hand and gently but firmly roll it between your thumb and fingers. You’re checking for lumps, or any spots that are abnormally soft, or hard, or painful, or just different from what you’re used to.
Q: What other symptoms might I experience?
A: You might have a “heavy” feeling in the scrotum (ball sac), or a dull pain in your belly, lower back or crotch.
Q: I may have noticed something – what do I do now?
A: You may not have all of these symptoms, so if you’re experiencing any of them, don’t wait – call your doctor right away. Remember, this cancer can be completely cured, but you need to act fast, before it spreads.
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 Are YOU "The Biggest Quitter?" Tobacco-cessation classes begin later this month: email or call David to get signed up, and win fabulous prizes!!
Free HIV Testing Every 3rd Thursday of every month, 10a – 8pm, at Your Pride Center, 2508 E Bijou. Other times by appointment; just call David 471-4429
 Free Condoms & Lube Always Available at Your Pride Center
We also have:
- female condoms (which both male bottoms & women can use)
- flavored condoms, for oral
- flavored dental dams, for oral and rimming
- larger size condoms
- condoms made with polyisoprene (for those with a latex allergy)
Tell a friend! Spread the word about the Center's Community Health Initiative and the services we provide!
Would you like to receive the monthly health news exclusively? Email Cara or David!
Cara@YourPrideCenter.org
David@YourPrideCenter.org
New Feature at Colorado Springs PrideFest 2009!
Be sure to check out the Healthy Living Oasis at Springs Pride on Sunday, July 19th!
Be Healthy. Be Free. Be You.
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