How I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying to Kill Me

by Blauner, Susan Rose; Siegel, Bernie S.

• ISBN13: 9780066211213
• ISBN10: 0066211212
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2002-07-18
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publications

Summary

<p align="justify">An international epidemic, suicide has touched the lives of nearly half of all Americans, yet is rarely talked about openly. In this timely and important book, Susan Blauner breaks the silence to offer guidance and hope for those contemplating ending their lives -- and for their loved ones.</p><p align="justify">A survivor of multiple suicide attempts, Blauner eloquently describes the feelings and fantasies surrounding suicide. In a direct, nonjudgmental, and loving voice, she offers affirmations and suggestions for those experiencing life-ending thoughts, and for their friends and family. Here is an essential resource destined to be the classic guide on the subject.</p><ul type="disc"><li>Suicide is the second leading cause of death among the elderly, third among those aged 14-24, and eighth among all Americans. More than 30,000 Americans take their lives annually, and more than 650,000 Americans attempt suicide every year.</li><br><li>In August 2002, Blauner will participate in "Out of the Darkness," the largest ever public awareness event on the topic, in Washington, D.C.</li><br><li>A portion of the book's proceeds will go to the National Hopeline Network/National Suicide Hotline (1-800-SUICIDE).</li></ul>

Table of Contents

If you need immediate assistance, please call 1-800-784-2433 1-800-SUICIDE
So You Think You Want to Die?
Hello	3	(4)
The Reality of Suicidal Fantasy	7	(3)
Moderation and Time Limits	10	(1)
Me	11	(11)
Finding Life Essence	22	(3)
Change (Arghhh) and Choices	25	(4)
Outthinking Suicide
Breathing	29	(3)
The Language of Suicide	32	(5)
The Neuron Superhighway	37	(5)
The Grim Reaper	42	(3)
Brain Style	45	(3)
Recognizing and Avoiding Triggers	48	(4)
Stopping the Snowball	52	(2)
Finding Relief	54	(5)
Tricks of the Trade
Trick #1 Asking for Help	59	(5)
Trick #2 Emergency Contacts	64	(5)
Trick #3 A Crisis Plan	69	(13)
Trick #4 Feelings	82	(1)
Identifying Feelings	83	(1)
Feelings Chart	84	(2)
Feelings Galore List	86	(3)
Tracing Feelings Back	89	(4)
Stating a Feeling	93	(1)
Trick #5 Feelings versus Facts	94	(3)
Trick #6 The Brady Bunch Syndrome	97	(2)
Trick #7 Spirituality, Nature, Meditation	99	(1)
Spirituality	99	(8)
Nature	107	(6)
Meditation	113	(5)
Trick #8 Acting as If	118	(1)
Trick #9 Halt	119	(1)
Hungry	120	(6)
Angry	126	(3)
Lonely	129	(4)
Tired	133	(4)
Trick #10 Keeping a Journal	137	(4)
Trick #11 Tasks and Activities---Healthy Diversions	141	(2)
Trick #12 The Telephone Lifeline and Phone Lists	143	(2)
Trick #13 Contracts for Safety	145	(4)
Trick #14 Brain Food	149	(4)
Trick #15 Therapy	153	(8)
Trick #16 Vitamin ``P''	161	(4)
Trick #17 ``Oh, What a Beautiful Morning''-Sayings and Affirmations	165	(6)
Trick #18 Mirror Work and Inner Dialoguing	171	(4)
Trick #19 Service-Helping Others	175	(4)
Trick #20 Movement and Exercise	179	(5)
Trick #21 Sound and Color	184	(1)
Sound	184	(4)
Color	188	(1)
Trick #22 Support Groups	189	(2)
Trick #23 Structure	191	(2)
Trick #24 Hospitalization	193	(4)
Trick #25 What About an Afterlife?	197	(6)
There is Hope! Letters From My Therapist, Family, and Friends Honesty	203	(98)
Sylvia's Perspective	204	(3)
A Brother's Walk on Eggshells	207	(1)
Watching Her Husband, My Brother	208	(1)
Like a Holiday from Adulthood	209	(2)
God Doesn't Make Junk!	211	(2)
Sue's Song	213	(1)
Rich with Humanity, Hope, and Change	214	(5)
Helping the Suicidal Thinker
Introduction	219	(6)
Risk Factors and Warning Signs	225	(6)
Suicide Facts and Statistics	231	(2)
Words
What I Heard Versus What I Needed to Hear	233	(5)
Delivery and Timing	238	(3)
Expressing Your Feelings	241	(2)
Acknowledging Their Pain	243	(1)
Speaking from Love	244	(2)
Beliefs
Secrets Are Deadly	246	(3)
It's Okay to Talk About It	249	(3)
It's a Family Challenge	252	(2)
Change Is Possible	254	(1)
Actions
Listening Well	255	(3)
Respecting Boundaries while Taking Action	258	(3)
Practicing Patience and Compassion	261	(1)
Getting Educated and Finding Your Own Support	262	(5)
Until we Meet Again
geese (a poem written by Christopher Brehl)	267	(1)
I Recognize...	268	(2)
Destiny	270	(3)
Hotlines, Websites, and Other Resources
Hotlines and Suicide Prevention Organizations	273	(1)
Crisis Hotlines	273	(2)
Hotlines in Canada	275	(1)
Organizations	276	(15)
Organizations in Canada	291	(1)
Twelve Step Organizations	292	(1)
Book Lists	293	(2)
Books Useful to Me	295	(1)
General Works	296	(1)
On Youth	297	(1)
On the Elderly	298	(1)
For Professionals	298	(2)
For Survivors	300	(1)
Notes	301	(2)
Index	303