Is It Too Late for Change in Your Life?

Do you think it's too late for change in your life? It's never too late. Every day is a new gift, another chance; sometimes we forget that. I love the way Dr. Cloud talks about taking control of your life:

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

About 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime according to Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey (2000).

Domestic violence is especially devastating because it occurs in what started as a loving relationship. For someone not involved, it may be difficult to understand why a woman would stay in such a situation. But there can be many reasons, not the least of which is genuine fear for her safety or that of her children. An abuser is trying to control another person and if that control is challenged the abuse typically increases as the abuser tries to regain control.

According to the report, Crimes in Missouri, 2007, there were 673 domestic violence incidents in Cole county last year. There were over 37,000 incidents statewide.

If you would like more information about domestic violence in Missouri, please visit the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence web site. You will find tons of information and resources there.

If you need help finding services in Missouri, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

How's Your Health?

Next Saturday (Sept. 27) St. Mary's Health Center will be sponsoring the Women's Health Institute: a Celebration of Women for Women. You don't want to miss this fun FREE event!

What will you find at the Women's Health Institute?

• Health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, body mass index, waist circumference, skin spots, breast self-exam, and osteoporosis.
  
• Individual report card to help you grade the status of your health.
  
• Educational information on such topics as nutrition, fitness, sleep apnea, childhood development, and obstetric/gynecology issues.
• Presentation on vascular health by Dr. Victor Phillips, M.D. (at 9:30 a.m.).
• Fashion show sponsored by Cato's (at 11:00 a.m.)
• Mammogram (with prior appointment - call 761-7001) ok, this one may not be the most fun, but it is important! And it only takes a few minutes!
  
• JC CWM will be there with information on our programs and support groups.
  

Make plans now to attend. Call your mothers, sisters, and women friends to come with you! It's free, it's fun, and it's for you! See you there!

Do You Know the Warning Signs of Suicide?

This week is National Suicide Prevention Week (September 7 - 13). According to the Missouri Suicide Prevention Fact Sheet, suicide is the 10th ranking cause of death in Missouri. An average of 699 residents die by suicide each year, that's 2 suicides per day. While men are 4 times more likely to kill themselves, women are 3 times more likely to attempt suicide. Either way, the aftermath is devastation for all concerned. Do you know the warning signs? Do you know what to do when you realize someone may be considering suicide?

The warning signs of suicide include:

• Threatening or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself.
• Seeking access to guns, pills, or other means.
• Feeling hopeless or feeling trapped - like there's no way out.
• Feeling rage, uncontrollable anger, or seeking revenge.
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking.
• Increasing alcohol or drug use.
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and society.
• Feeling anxious, agitated, unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time.
• Experiencing dramatic mood changes, or acting "out of character."
• Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life.

What to do if you think a person is having suicidal thoughts:

• Ask the person directly if she or he is having suicidal thoughts or ideas, has a plan, or has access to lethal means. Talking about suicide won't increase the person's suicidal thoughts. The answers to these questions will let you know how strong the suicidal intention is.
• Be willing to listen without judgment. Don't ask "why" because it encourages defensiveness. Accept the person's feelings and offer empathy (not sympathy).
• Offer hope that an alternate solution to the person's pain exists.
• Seek help. Call the 24-hour suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Where to find more information:

• The American Association of Suicidology has a 3-page, down-to-earth handout you can view or download.
• You can print out a wallet card from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
• Check out the Missouri Suicide Prevention Fact Sheet from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
• In the central Missouri area, you can find 24-hour crisis services through Pathways Community Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Especially for counselors:

• If you would like free training, you can sign up for workshops through the National Center for Suicide Prevention.

Was this information helpful? Please share your thoughts on this article by adding a comment.

The Women at the Well video

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Fabulous online resource!

I had intended to write a book review today. I'm reading 9 Things You Simply Must Do to Succeed in Love and Life, by Dr. Henry Cloud. Now if you're familiar with the Boundaries book, then you know who Dr. Cloud is, and also Dr. John Townsend. I'm a huge fan of their work. As I was preparing to write today's post, I visited their web site and I was so impressed that it became the subject of this post. The Cloud-Townsend Solutions for Life web site has a video library of questions and answers. It's like having the doctors on call! If you don't find the answer you're looking for, you can submit your own question. The videos are short (2 - 5 minutes) and full of simple, direct information. There is also a newsletter you can sign up for and a community where you can discuss the videos or life issues and connect with others. This web site is a tremendous resource and I highly recommend that you check it out! I'd like to hear your feedback when you do, so please come back and leave a comment.

The blog is back!

Our blog kind of got put on the back burner once the web site was created but now we've got them linked together and plan to begin posting on a more regular basis. The posts here will focus on motivation and support for women. We hope you enjoy the articles and welcome your comments!

Pictures

I went by the Center this weekend and took some pictures for the newsletter. Also stopped by The Marketplace for photos of the glassware.

Welcome!

Welcome to the JC Center for Women's Ministries blog. I created this as a quick and easy way to set up an electronic communication forum. It's not a newsletter or a website although it has features of both. I'd like to get your feedback, what you like or don't like. All comments and suggestions are welcome. As I said, this isn't a newsletter; I will work on a print newsletter that can be sent to a wider audience. Hopefully, I'll have something for you before the next advisory meeting.