Comments on: Middle-Aged Women Drive Suicide Rise

By: Marie

Marie — Fri, 06 May 2011 22:38:32 +0000

Christa, I say this respectfully, but what I was talking about is not “depression” … it is the adversity of life coming against you in huge waves. Emotional pain is one thing. As mski said, how do you find “meaning in life” when all you can think about is surviving unemployment, the potential threat of homeless, and very viable issues.
Many women do not choose to give up. If more resources were at hand, it wouldn’t be the first option. Mental health therapists, as a resource, do not help pay the bills or combat the loneliness of merely trying to get by in this world. They are very real and tangible issues, not just clearing the cobwebs from our brains.

By: Christa

Christa — Fri, 06 May 2011 14:59:09 +0000

@ Marie and mski – I am also in my 40′s and have struggled in the past with depression and suicidal thoughts. I spent time with one of Jim Thompson’s friends last week who admitted he is also suicidal. We walked by Jim’s memorial bench and talked about all the fun we had with Jim…and all the great things we would like to do in the future. I am not a therapist or a psychiatrist. All I can tell you is this: I understand the kind of pain that leads people to think about suicide. I also know from first hand experience, life CAN get better. I certainly hope neither of you takes matters into your own hands and moves to kill yourself. You don’t know me personally but I CARE! Every life has meaning, especially yours. I’m sure each of you has positive gifts you bring to this world. Don’t Give Up! Get help. Love, Christa

By: mski

mski — Thu, 05 May 2011 20:56:06 +0000

I am with you Marie.. I am in that situation. I want it all to end. I see no hope.. just loneliness and now bankruptcy and living in the street. I took another job due to the constant harassment from a headhunter who played on my fear. I left a stable job and took a risk at another place, and now I am unemployed and all alone in the world. I will take matters into my own hand.

By: Marie

Marie — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:15:07 +0000

I’m always baffled when I read these articles and they cant figure out why. Middle-aged women are such a neglected, invisible group with mounting obstacles. First, let’s assume you’re middle-aged now, single, perhaps childless, and your not a top executive. You now have to figure out how to support yourself for the next XX years, all while society itself pushes you out — ageism is alive and well in the workplace. Dollop a cherry on top of the sundae with a terrible economy…now, you have no idea have you will survive, you don’t have a second income (husband/mate) contributing to a household. Then, comes the loneliness factor…unless you’re independently wealthy or very beautiful, you are invisible to men after the age of 50. Don’t start saying “a good attitude, cheerful disposition is everything” because it’s not. Looks and age factor into men’s decisions on whom they date. Reality. So now you are left trying to have a social life with friends, but worrying day and night whether you’ll have a roof over your head. Its a terrible boxed-in life. People seem to think they can catch “loneliness” which makes it even more alienating. Fun, parties, socialization…with what? What if these women don’t have transportation, any discretionary income? Many woman pray for death, to be relieved of this horrible combination, others take matters into their own hand.

By: Christa

Christa — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 03:49:15 +0000

@ Karen - I am sorry you are still hurting so badly 5 years after the death of a loved one. It struck me what you wrote about God. God is creativity, love and divine inspiration. I believe God is love and hope and my heart is filled with both. Therefore - I believe I am filled with God and my site is a reflection of God's love. I attended Catholic school and practiced for years but now I am more a spiritual than religious person. I cannot speak for God but I believe much of the suffering we humans experience is unnecessary. I was seriously and manically depressed for years, often suicidal - I know what it feels like to want to end it. To want to stop the pain and just die. It's a big bowl of suck soup Karen - the worst of the worst. You know. You've been there. I also know I made a choice to change the way I think about life. When my friend Jim put a bullet into his brain - I woke up. I chose to try new paths, do new things and step outside my unhappy box, the box that no longer served me. I will live and I will enjoy. I choose! I can. I will. Giggle On! YOU CAN TOO! Believe Karen. Believe! I have read the Bible and many spiritual texts - also - many books related to spirituality, manifestation, yoga and Zen thought. I believe the answer to healing, happiness and joy lies within us. We are all on our own paths and must continue to try alternative ways to improve our broken spirits. Karen - I do not have all the answers. I am a woman on a path of healing. If you are in crisis, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). I have several post to recommend to you and also suggest if you are still struggling with Grief to check out the Open to Hope web site. 9 Tips to Boost Your Mood When a loss becomes a gain Divine Inspiration slaps me upside my head Life Is… How to Be Happy