A Cause That’s Important To Our Family—Read Why, and How You Can Help--Complete with SBAR

Two blog posts in one day, you ask?! Yes. This one's important. I'll give you an SBAR. Do y'all remember us talking about that? You will. Let's jump in.

Situation-

• In the United States, there's one death every eleven minutes due to suicide. That was in 2022. The rates have gone up since covid, significantly.
• Men make up half of our population but account for 80% of suicide deaths. They are four times more likely than women to fall into suicide.
• On the other hand, women are more likely than men to experience mental illness in their lifetime.
• 1 in 8 people worldwide experience a mental illness.
• Half of chronic mental illnesses begin by age 14. Picture your child at 14.
• Mental illness is more common among people with lower income and less education. This will affect their ability to overcome it.

Background-An immediate family member of ours committed suicide in 2021. That's all I'll say about it, because many people are still hurting more than most of you can imagine. I know some of you understand, and I'm sorry for what you've gone through. 

One of my children's friends tried to commit suicide last summer. They're barely in the double digits of age. As with my first point, that's all I'll say because it's not my business to tell. I just want y'all to understand how important this is to us. 

After the attempt, I had to talk to my child--and I had to tell them that I too, have a mental health diagnosis (this part they knew) and that I attempted suicide as well. Many times. Knocked on death's door 3 times in all. During the last attempt I had a vision. I physically saw a home-video-like, if you will--of my kids' futures after their mom committed suicide. I promised then that I'd never let myself get to that place again--and that I'll never put them through what I envisioned. If I could just make it through this one last time. I begged. 

Assessment-But it's not easy and it can't be done alone. I've been diagnosed and medicated for 2 1/2 years (and in counseling longer) and I'm maybe halfway to where I want to be. Many of my relationships and life opportunities have been lost. Some things are unrepairable, and mental illness loves that. 

Recommendation-This is why we want to help raise money to go directly to mental health programs in our city. I've designed a collection, Mental Health Awareness Gnomes (about 10 items, more to come). We are donating 100% of all sales from that collection. We're also taking donations! Our goal is to raise $1000 by the end of May (Mental Health Awareness month). 

We're hoping you'd like to help. If you make a donation vs purchase a product, we're throwing in a gift. All donations of $10 or more get you a 'free' awareness car magnet. 

I've placed below two buttons...one to take you to our shop directly so you may purchase one of the items (be sure it says Mental Health Awareness, but it's pretty straight forward), and one to take you to our fundraising page. 

Again, we ask for your help in supporting our goal with this important issue. I thank y'all in advance, because I just know many of you will help!

Until next time...

Mama Gnome, A.K.A. Eliza