Thanks to everyone who visited during the Authors Care Suicide Prevention Hop. Many of you shared very personal stories and helped bring awareness to this important topic.
From the comments on my site, the randomly chosen winner of the $6 Amazon.com GC was:
Veronica Scott
Sometimes being around people is the last thing I need when I am feeling suicidal or even just mildly depressed. In these times, I often turn to art for catharsis. Here are some of my favorites:
Resume is from Parker’s 1926 book Enough Rope.
1. “Resume” by Dorothy Parker
Razors pain you;
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren’t lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smell awful;
You might as well live.
I first encountered this poem in college when I was going through a particularly extended bout of depression. By that time, I’d analyzed all kinds of ways to commit suicide. I still do in dark moments. But I remember this poem, and with it recall that life is absurd, satire can be cleansing, and it is often better to laugh than to cry. Parker attempted suicide at least three times. She wrote this poem during an extended period of depression.
2. “I Don’t Want to Go” by Shannon Stephens
I have never come across a song that so perfectly captures in words and sounds how I feel when depression drags me down. The opening lines are perfect:
I don’t want to exercise tonight;
I just want to sit in the bath and cry.
I just want to put my gray socks on.
I just want to lie as still as a stone.
What’s your favorite piece of cathartic art? Leave a comment with your email* address on this post (or any other post on my blog that is for the Suicide Prevention Week Hop) to enter to win a $6 Amazon GC. Comments must be made by midnight Eastern on 9.14.13.
I encourage you to visit other authors on this hop by clicking the icon below. You can also enter a $50 Amazon GC giveaway at this link.
This 8 Sunday also serves as the kick off of my participation in the Suicide Prevention Week Authors Care Hop. This excerpt is from my current work in progress. Chloe is talking with Brian, a 13-year-old shape-shifter who just learned he is a bear shifter when he started to turn in public a few days ago. His mother kicked him out, and he’s staying with Chloe and her shifter boyfriend Jorge. Chloe has just shared how her mom left when she was ten and sent her away a few months ago when Chloe tracked her down.
“Point is, you’re not alone in the messed up parent department. Maybe your mom will come around yet.”
His raised eyebrows look highly skeptical. “But you said this Christopher guy that’s coming—his parents disowned him when he went shifter.”
“It doesn’t mean your mom won’t come around, but I won’t lie and say she definitely will.”
“You’re not much for pep talks, huh?”
I grin, glad to see and feel his tension easing. “Not really, no, but you’ve got us. And you’ll have Christopher.”
As a person who has struggled with depression my whole life, I’ve been filled with suicidal thoughts many times. What has always kept me going at the hardest moments is the people around me who show me support and love. I was fortunate to have friends and family. There are many organizations filled with caring people for those who aren’t so fortunate. For more information on Suicide Prevention Week, visit the official Facebook page.
I encourage you to visit other authors on this hop by clicking the icon below. You can also enter a $50 Amazon GC giveaway, here. Leave a comment (with your email address*) on this page to enter to win a $6 Amazon GC. Comments must be made by midnight Eastern on 9.14.13.
To see other 8 Sunday snippets, click the icon below:
Katya Armock 