From Becca
Researchers at Indiana University were recently surprised to learn that contrary to popular belief, suicide rates do not increase during the holidays.
The holidays can bring out the worst in people, and the stresses of family get-togethers, loneliness, and the cold, dark winter months are commonly thought to increase the number of suicides at Yule time. But studies conducted around the globe show that, while the holidays may be a difficult time for some, there is no scientific evidence to suggest a holiday peak in suicides, according to Dr. Vreeman and Dr. Carroll. Furthermore, suicides are actually more common during warm and sunny times of the year.
You know what that means, readers – no excuse to be bleak. Certainly, social expectations to be cheerful when you don’t feel cheerful can be alienating. But as we Chanukah-inclined people say, “It could always be worse.” Although it might seem trite, I’ve managed to climb my way out of a few depressive holes by really sincerely counting my blessings. If you fall into the doomsday tunnel vision, keep searching for the better-feeling thought and watch it pay off.
But more importantly, the researchers also found that eating at night does not cause weight gain any more than eating during the day. So buck up, delve into those midnight leftover, and have a happy holidays.
liz | 3:51 PM | Uncategorized
Razors Pain you;
Rivers are damp,
Acids stain you:
Drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren’t lawful;
nooses give.
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live.
—Dorothy R. Parker
Not to quibble with you, but I read this as saying I have no greater reason to commit suicide, but it doesn’t say I have no greater reason no to feel bleak!
But I have found that now that we are past Christmas I do feel a little better.
Both those things make me feel so much better. Thanks, Liz!
Becca, I’ll admit I was surprised at those results. I’ve had some REALLY bad times around the holidays. Anyway, to follow on Darren’s Dorothy Parker offering, here are two song lyrics I use almost as mantras to help me get by.
Sweet Old World by Lucinda Williams
See what you lost when you left this world, this sweet old world
See what you lost when you left this world, this sweet old world
The breath from your own lips, the touch of fingertips
A sweet and tender kiss
The sound of a midnight train, wearing someone’s ring
Someone calling your name
Somebody so warm cradled in your arm
Didn’t you think you were worth anything
See what you lost when you left this world, this sweet old world
See what you lost when you left this world, this sweet old world
Millions of us in love, promises made good
Your own flesh and blood
Looking for some truth, dancing with no shoes
The beat, the rhythm, the blues
The pounding of your heart’s drum together with another one
Didn’t you think anyone loved you
See what you lost when you left this world, this sweet old world
See what you lost when you left this world, this sweet old world
See what you lost when you left this world, this sweet old world
See what you lost when you left this world, this sweet old world
Road by Nick Drake
You can say the sun is shining if you really want to
I can see the moon and it seems so clear
You can take a road that takes you to the stars now
I can take a road that’ll see me through
I can take a road that’ll see me through
Of course Nick was gone about a year later. ANyway, it helps to have a melody to sing to yourself when things get bad. Cheers, Dave
I feel a little better now that Christmas is over too.
Actually, while quite suicidal during the holidays, I’m actually more homicidal. I work retail. ;]
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