This blog was written by Quanita McRoberts, a keynote speaker at the 2018 Fairfield County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Conference.

When the pressures are too much

Isolated and not validated

Hope feels distant and

Happiness is only a memory

That's the Weight of the Clouds

Attempting to grow stronger daily when I tell no one of the internal battle occurring

And the foundation of trauma, depression, and anxiety's friendship is to manipulate my imagination running wild in the fields of self-doubt

Convincing me that neither my recovery or my accomplishments are enough

I can be perfectly fine one minute and triggered with PTSD Flashbacks the next

Or moments of sorrow occur when I begin to long for deep meaningful apologies

Drowning in rivers of silence and shame instead of reaching out

And the pressure of it all makes you want to go fetal

That's the Weight of the Clouds

But not today or tomorrow trauma I've dealt with you directly face to face and in case you need a reminder

I give you breath when I over analyze everything

So I'm here to tell you I still choose freedom

I am capable of having a healthy long term relationships

I have forgiven

I am forgiven

Forgiveness is something I do for myself and my journey

The weight of it all has to disappear

No more flashbacks

These moments when you resurface are opportunities for forgiveness and healing

And to deny healing

Only Grants opportunity for suffering

So I will remain open to the freedom I deserve

And if you can relate, remember this:

The bravest thing one can do, is to choose self-love and perseverance despite what they've been
through

Hate is easy

Anger is easy

Jealousy is easy

But to choose yourself over the weight of the clouds time

and time again shows strength and examination of self-worth

You are virtuous

Your laugh is what love sounds like

Your smile is what love looks like

Your embrace is what love feels like

You define our worth for yourself & others

Don't feel guilty

Release the chains of trauma

​and fly above the clouds

This blog was written by Justin Trevino, MD, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS).

Youth represent Ohio’s future. While school-age children and young adults are learning about and experiencing life, various factors, such as, mental health conditions, environmental stress, substance misuse, and a history of trauma, may lead them to lose hope and take actions to end their lives. 

By taking the time to review this important information, you can help save a young life and reverse the troubling trend we are seeing with youth suicide in Ohio. Awareness is key.

• Nationally, suicide is the second leading cause of death for those ages 10–24.
• In Ohio, rates of suicide have climbed 36 percent from 1999–2016.
• In a year’s time, approximately one in 15 high school students reports attempting suicide; one in 53 reports making a suicide attempt serious enough to require medical treatment.
• Suicide completion is more common among white males and those living in urban areas.
• The most common method of completion for males is firearms and for females is hanging/suffocation.
• The majority of those in this age group who complete suicide have identified mental health issues, though most are not in active treatment. 

Please take a moment to learn the warning signs of suicide:

• A significant change in mood or behavior — appearing consistently unhappy/depressed, irritable, withdrawn from family/friends/activities
• Poor performance in school or other important extracurricular activities
• Involvement in high-risk behaviors, including use of alcohol or other substances
• Problems with concentration and changes in energy level, appetite, or sleep schedule
• Direct statements about feeling hopeless/not wanting to live anymore
• Self-injurious actions (e.g., wrist-cutting, burning self)
• History or family history of depression 

However, suicide is preventable! Your actions can save the lives of a young person showing the warning signs.

• Ask directly about thoughts of suicide. (Asking about suicide does not increase the risk of suicide but does open up conversation.)
• Listen to what they need.
• Keep them safe. Reduce access to lethal means (e.g., firearms, pills). Call 911 if necessary.
• Help them connect with ongoing support, such as a local crisis line (740.687.8255), the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.8255), or the Crisis Text Line (Text “4hope” to 741741.).
• Check back the next day to see how they’re doing.
• Encourage them to engage with counselors to assist with the development of coping skills, problem solving, and conflict resolution.   

OhioMHAS, in partnership with agencies and organizations throughout the state, has developed a comprehensive plan to prevent suicide in Ohio.

You may also connect young people to Ohio’s youth-focused suicide prevention campaign —  Be Present.