Perservering through the Dark Abyss

This post is about warning signs and ways we as family, friends and loved ones of those with mental or behavioral challenges- can assist them in their struggles.

I encourage you whether you are a member of my faith or not, to listen and watch this Speech given by Elder Holland- regarding how to treat others in this sad predicament and situation.

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng#watch=video


Warning Signs of Suicide Behavior

May draw or write about death
Or talk about ways they have thought about harming themselves
Cutting arms or legs
Withdrawing from friends & families
Marked personality or Severe Mood Changes
Loss of interest in talents and activities they used to love
Insomnia
Or wanting to sleep all the time
May give away prized possessions
Lose hope
Losing interest in school
Indifferent towards most activities
Children may become severely impulsive
And Instant Gratification

Have children set goals for wants and needs
Point out our children's strengths
Do not hound about what they are doing wrong- or may need to improve.
Point out that there are solutions to their problems
Let your child think of their own solutions to severe or little problems.

Find out why our children are unhappy
Question our children " Are you feeling that you may want to hurt yourself?"
Ask hard questions
Ask open-ended questions
Listen to your child's teachers


If your children are having those thoughts, it is not a reflection of poor parenting.
If they have depression- it's not your fault.
Don't try to fix their depression by yourself, seek professional help.
"No one can responsibly suggest that just square your shoulders and think more positively." Elder Holland 
It's not that easy. It's a big deal.

If you are concerned about your child's safety- never leave them alone.
Get rid of guns or knives, pills and ways they may harm themselves.
Be there for them. Listen to your loved ones. 

Focus attention on your children.

Listen and empathize with your children. 
Especially when they tell you why they hurt, are sad. Or feel a certain way.
Show an increase in love.

"Trust in God and his love. Be merciful, non-judge mental and kind- towards those suffering with mental illness." -Elder Holland

General Conference- Come Listen and Learn What We Live

Perspective

As I was reading through News Headlines tonight I ran into a story regarding an 18 year old girl who had died from a sudden, severe, tragic epilepsy attack. Her sweet parents decided to honor her last request by paying for many Pumpkin Spice Lattes for other Customers of Starbucks. The kindness spread. Those who were given free beverages bought free beverages for others in Alyssa's honor, and were celebrating Epilepsy Awareness while being kind to someone they didn't know. It spread to other states and countries quickly

I love this story, her parents turned a tragedy into a life to celebrate. Here's a look a little bit more into the story.
http://shine.yahoo.com/ellen-good-news/parents-pay-forward-pumpkin-spice-lattes-221300973.html
http://ajoforever.com/

Chelsea Merkley

Why Job Searching Teaches Us Patience

My newly published Article
 http://bizcovering.com/business/why-job-searching-teaches-us-patience/
Please Read and Reply and Share!

Chelsea Merkley

Parisian Crepes

I went to France in May and the best culinary crepes I've had were in the street vendors near Paris. These types had eggs, ham and cheese inside them. Here are 2 recipes I want to try. http://bakingbites.com/2009/08/french-ham-cheese-and-egg-crepes-step-by-step/ This is how the street vendors made the crepes This recipe is a different way of cooking the crepe and it's contents. http://kellyslifeisdelicious.blogspot.com/2011/01/french-ham-cheese-and-egg-crepes.html They both look delicious. Making this well, and enjoying it with my family, would help my mood be joyful for the whole day! Chelsea

A Little Perspective

Here I am today thinking about how I could earn some income, I stumble upon this on the web.
http://gma.yahoo.com/quadruple-amputees-inspiring-recovery-photos-100159724--abc-news-topstories.html

http://abcnews.go.com/US/slideshow/inspiring-recovery-taylor-morris-lost-limbs-afghanistan-17292939

Imagine being in the war and having all 4 limbs blasted off in a bomb accident!
I was thinking my life was hard and challenging and I just got a reality check.
Thank you my Heavenly Father for my arms and legs and my loved ones.
My goodness. The blessings I take for granted.

The joy and happiness that we get from our simple gifts from God.
From who we are, our charachter, our personalities, motivation and determination.

Today is the day to give thanks for all of them. Think of what you have.

Have a wonderful Night!

Angels Calling

Angels Calling

A Poem I thought of this morning as I woke up.
I wrote it all down before I forgot.
I hope you enjoy it.

Chelsea Merkley