Reducing further suicide attempts

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for those under 65! A study in Philadelphia showed that recent suicide attempters treated with cognitive therapy (CT) were 50 percent less likely to try to kill themselves again within 18 months than those who did not receive the therapy. People were recruited for this study in the emergency room, following a suicide attempt. One hundred and twenty people were either assigned to CT or usual community treatment.

Seventy-seven percent had major depression and 68% a substance use disorder. About half of the participants in both groups took psychotropic medications and about 13% to 16% received drug abuse treatment. About 27% of those in the usual care group received psychotherapy outside of the study, compared to 21% of those also receiving cognitive therapy.

Over the year-and-a-half follow-up period, only 24% (13) of those in the cognitive therapy group made repeat suicide attempts, compared to 42% (23) of the usual care group. Although the groups did not differ significantly in suicidal thoughts, those who received cognitive therapy scored better on measures of depression severity and hopelessness, which the researchers suggest "may be more highly associated with a reduced risk of repeat suicide attempts."

One of the researchers reported, "We were surprised by the amount of energy and resources it takes to reach out to individuals who attempt suicide. This population lacks a positive attitude toward the mental health system and often fails to show up for scheduled appointments. However, the combination of cognitive therapy plus case management services was effective in preventing suicide attempts." He suggests that cognitive therapy's short-term nature makes it a good fit for treatment of suicide attempters at community mental health centers.

If you know someone that has made a suicide attempt, some psychotherapy follow-up should be mandatory.

Best wishes,

Mike

http://drmikemiller.com/suicide.html

Review of the Legend of Bagger Vance

Directed by Robert Redford, this is an unusual tale of a champion golfer who comes back from WW I a broken man after all of his men were killed in one battle. Retreating into the bottle for over a decade, he is rescued by a golf exhibition, the support of Savannah (his hometown), and the life lessons from Will Smith. Smith plays Bagger Vance, who is the mystical caddy who helps Matt Damon's character get back his “authentic swing.” This is a movie of redemption and finding his place back in life. One of the lessons is that “Golf (life) is a game that can't be won. Only played.”

This is a very spiritual, yet entertaining movie that reminds us that we are all capable of being broken by circumstances, but that we Can get back our “authentic swing.” Inspiring and highly recommended. Movie Trailer.

Best wishes,

Mike
http://drmikemiller.com

INSPIRING Video

Watch this and then try to NOT count your blessings. I don't think that can be done.

To all of you who feel like giving up. Video

Best wishes,

Mike
http://drmikemiller.com

eletter - Peace of Mind

If you get something from these posts, subscribe to my eletter "Peace of Mind." Send an email to drmike@drmikemiller.com.

Catch Yourself Being Good

The most powerful change strategy for children's behavior problems is the parents increasing the focus on positive behavior and reinforcing those behaviors. A powerful strategy of improving your mood and self-esteem is increasing positive self-talk. Human nature is such that most of us look for when we make mistakes and then be self-critical. Much of the time, that is automatic and under our awareness.

Begin NOW to monitor yourself for negative self-talk. Watch for negative things that others have repeatedly said to you, such as “You can't do ANYTHING right!” or “STUPID!” Throw those scripts away! Acknowledge that whoever said those things was WRONG, even if they may have had good intentions.

Awareness is the first step. The second is action.

Next, tell yourself things like “STOP calling yourself names!” and “STOP criticizing yourself!” Begin to replace the criticisms with statements like “Nobody's perfect,” “What have I learned so as to not make the same mistake again?,” etc.

Begin to monitor yourself for what you've done well, made progress, or completed. Become your own cheerleader and tell yourself things like “Good job!, “Great effort,” etc. As you work on a project that can't be completed in one setting, tell yourself that you made good progress for that episode.

If you find this to be difficult, consider starting by looking for positive things to say to others. (Even if this is easy for you, it is an excellent idea to increase compliments to others). As this gets easier with practice, as most things do, you will probably begin catching yourself doing some of the things that you are complementing others. Continue to compliment others and begin doing the same for yourself.

Making these changes will not give you a swelled head. Rather, doing so will decrease your stress, make you less susceptible to stress conditions (like headaches), and generally improve your mood.

Catch yourself being good! You'll be glad that you did.

Best wishes,

Mike
http://drmikemiller.com