April 24, 200610:29 am
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Click here to read “Warning Signs”
When a person attempts to commit suicide there is an underlying reason. Poor self-image, drug abuse and depression are only a few possible problems that someone who has or will attempt suicide may be struggling with. When a person is contemplating suicide there may not be indications noticeable with casual observation. However, there are warning signs that you can look for:
“I was not surprised when Mary told me she was thinking about suicide. Over several months this young woman seemed to lose all joy for living. I felt overwhelmed with how to help her. Mary pleaded with me not to tell anyone of her thoughts. Silently I prayed, “God, show me what to do.”
Click here to read “Warning Signs”
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April 13, 20068:34 am
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Alcohol Abuse and Dependence
The following article from Web MD is a good resource for defining alcohol abuse and signs of alcohol abuse. Many people that consider themselves to be social drinkers don’t realize that they have a drinking problem. It may not be easy, but taking an honest look at your drinking patterns may spare you future despair:
“You might not realize that you have a drinking problem. You might not drink every day, or you might not drink large amounts when you do drink. You might go for days or weeks between drinking episodes. Many people say they are “social drinkers” because they do not drink every day. But even if you don’t drink very often, it is still possible to be abusing alcohol and to be at risk for becoming addicted to it. “
Click here to read “Alcohol Abuse and Dependence”
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April 11, 200610:44 am
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Alcohol Abuse or Dependence?
The following article is a good resource for evaluating one’s incentive for alcohol use. It defines the differences between casual use, dependency and addiction:
“After a long day at work, Jim eats dinner, turns on the television, goes to the refrigerator, grabs a beer, and sits in his favorite lounge chair. Relaxed, he drinks another, then another, until he finishes off the six-pack. He dozes off occasionally and eventually falls asleep in the chair. Around midnight he awakens and stumbles to his bedroom.
Jim never misses work unless he is violently ill. He is liked by his coworkers and gets along with most people. He has a few friends, but leads a rather lonely life. His sister feels he is an alcoholic and needs help. Jim says he can stop drinking anytime and does not have a problem. He only drinks at night and weekends to calm down and relax from a stressful day.
What do you think?”
The use of alcohol in moderation is not an unhealthy habit. In fact, some studies suggest that drinking a small glass of wine in the evening can be heart healthy. Unfortunately, this can change when a dependency on alcohol is developed to cope with day-to-day stresses. Alcohol dependency and abuse undoubtedly will lead to impairment and distress.
Click here to read “Alcohol Abuse or Dependence?”
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April 6, 20068:24 am
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Overcoming Lonliness
Although some people may feel that they can do everything on their own, we all need the support of others. Part of a well-rounded emotional life is having healthy friendships. If you have been disconnected from others for a lengthy time you may feel that you don’t know how to reconnect; what do you do in a situation like that? The following article provides some practical steps to combat loneliness and isolation:
“Perhaps you’ve heard these suggestions from well-meaning friends: “Why not join a club?” or “You should do some traveling.” They aren’t bad ideas but they aren’t solutions to the problem of loneliness either. The following steps will help you break free from thinking, emotions and behaviors that may be at the root of your loneliness. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify actions you can take to overcome loneliness.”
Click here to read “Overcoming Lonliness”
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April 3, 200612:53 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Loneliness: Bad for Your Health?
The church plays an important role in the social lives of its congregants through corporate fellowship and group activities. However, it is possible to attend church, be on a first name basis with attendees and yet still be completely disconnected from everyone. It is not only a “good idea” but also a necessity to be involved with others in life giving relationships. The article below discusses the negative affects of loneliness and gives some ideas for getting out of the rut of isolation:
“A television commercial I saw recently features several women in an elevator contemplating their evening meals. Beyond the product being advertised, what struck me as most prominent was that they were all going home to eat alone. I wondered about the health of a solitary lifestyle, did some research and found some surprising results. Did you know that:”
Click here to read: Loneliness: Bad for Your Health?
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