The struggle is real people. The statistics for 2018 alone are enough to ring the bell for ALL OF US. According to The National Institute of Mental Health:Suicide is a Leading Cause of Death in the United StatesAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WISQARS Leading Causes of Death Reports, in 2018:Suicide was the tenth leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 48,000 people.Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 54.There were more than two and a half times as many suicides (48,344) in the United States as there were homicides (18,830).

Today, as uncomfortable as it may be, I share my own personal stories of a life struggling with suicidal thoughts, depression, sexual abuse and losing a personal friend to suicide. Right now, more than ever, your friends need you! If you are feeling like you just don't have a lot of purpose lately, let me rest your mind. YOU DO! YOU have value by being that friend! So today I am asking for your help to reach out to your fellow front line workers, public servants, moms, teachers, even young students and the elderly living alone.

Amidst this pandemic it is more important than ever to reach out to those who are struggling with ANYTHING at all really. Be it a simple message, a phone call, or a small gift. We talk about simple acts of kindness as having a HUGE impact on helping someone you may feel is struggling with anxiety, depression, and all of those feelings associated to frontline workers and public servants.

We will focus on how artists who can understand use their talent to show that they can relate to the emotions many of us experience with depression, anxiety, addictions and suicidal ideations. We also focus on the importance of being there for each other, no matter the circumstances, being alone should NEVER be an option for ANYONE.

My aim is to surprise you with some familiar songs that you may not even know have anything to do with depression. Check out the playlist below to see some songs you may not have realized were connected to issues with mental illness.Today's PlaylistThe Beatles - Help!

The Rolling Stones - Paint It Black

Ed Sheeran - Save Myself

Florence and the Machine - Hunger

Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks

Lily Allen - LDN

Haim - Now I'm In It

Fun - Some Nights

Eddie Grant - Electric Avenue

Simply Mary - Mirror

KISS - Detroit Rock City

The Clash - Rock The Casbah

Paramore - Rose Colored Boy

Van Halen - Jump

Third Eye Blind - Semi-Charmed Life

ABBA - Mamma Mia

https://youtu.be/PWgvGjAhvIw

Nena - 99 Luftballoons

I hope you found some comfort in this episode if you are feeling a little lonely lately. Please, don't be afraid to reach out to someone or for help. if you notice someone who needs you, please be there, and remember there are resources you can find help with contained in the link below.Until next time! Mary,This episode is dedicated to:Christine Schloder (Abrahamson) November 20, 2010To check out Christine's book click here to learn more about managing BiPolar DepressionMay she finally be resting in peace.

*** If you need more information about suicide please visit The National Institute for Mental Health for helpful resources and guidance. If you are in immediate danger please dial 911.

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