Facts about suicide in Texas

Suicide is a complex issue.  We need a comprehensive approach aimed at prevention. 

I found some interesting facts (and the cool video) about suicide in Texas at www.texassuicideprevention.org

FACTS:

• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for Texans and the third leading cause of death among youth ages fifteen to twenty-four.

• In 2003, on average, slightly more than six Texans died from suicide each day.

• Regardless of age, males were more likely to die because of suicide than females. In fact, in 2003, 1,851 males and 504 females died of suicide in Texas.

• Suicide rates are highest among Texans seventy years and older. The highest reported suicide rate was among the seventy-five plus age cohort, which reported a rate of 17.4 per 100,000 in 2003.

• Among women, the highest suicide rate occurred among those in the age group of 45-54. The suicide rate for this group was 9.2 per 100,000 women.

• Adolescents are a particularly vulnerable group. In 2003, 348 adolescents ages fifteen to twenty-four died as a result of suicide. Of these, 276 were boys and seventy-two were girls.

You are invited to an OPEN HOUSE

As the summer folds in for the year

and a crisp autumn breeze announces change,

so has our counseling ministry entered 

graciously into a new season.

As new seasons bring about transformation, we are beginning to experience a time of change in the church and in the country that is new for many.  In such times as these, there is an ever-present need to walk with the people through the valleys of life, as many are being challenged through these difficult times.

It is a time to ask ourselves, "Where does my hope come from? In whom do I truly trust?"  We often put our hope and trust in the created and not in the Creator.  Our joy has been to continue to see God reflected in the lives of His people even in times like these.

We invite you to come see some of the changes that have been made in the Counseling Center -changes that will help meet the needs of those who are hurting and struggling.  Come and be a part of His story as we walk with God into the lives of others.

A special dedication of a memorial picture of Julianna Poor will take place at the beginning of the open house.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2009, 2-4 pm

Located on the 6th floor of

Houston's First Baptist Church

7401 Katy Freeway

Houston, TX 77024

HoustonsFirst.org   713-681-8000

Resource of the month: First HOPE Job Ministry

About 4 years ago I found a job that I loved through First Hope job ministry in Houston, TX.  Not only did I find a fantastic job, I also shifted into the right career path:  a career in the business of caring for the emotional and spiritual needs of others. A journey to my true calling in life.  Today I hear from a lot of people who are either unemployed or dissatisfied with their current job.  So I recommend they should give it a try.  Show up to one of their meetings, like I did about 4 years.  The meetings are free, and the folks who run the program are awesome.  

What is Professional Counseling?

I think that the practice of professional counseling includes, but is not limited to, the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional issues, including consultation to individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations.

I believe that counselors’ education and training should be oriented toward the adoption of a truly client-centered, and not primarily illness-centered, approach to therapy.

As a Christian counselor, I'm interested in SoulTalk: Spiritual formation and direction (Larry Crabb).