SPARC is dedicated to preventing suicide by expanding community collaborative, identifying new effective strategies in prevention, implementing prevention projects and practices, and educating our community about suicide prevention. The goal is to reduce the number of deaths by suicide.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255) or the Kern County Mental Health Hotline at 1 (800) 991-5272.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Quote of the Week: Changing Thinking

"Change your thoughts and you change your world."

-Norman Vincent Peale

Growing up, I was always told, "If you don't like something, change it." I always thought that was easier said than done. Change is a long process. When I was a child, I had a speech impediment. That didn't go away with the snap of a finger. It took years of therapy in order for me to learn how to talk correctly.

However, once I did learn how to talk correctly, my whole world changed. It was easier for me to come out of my shell, I could actually have a conversation with someone, and I was no longer that "shy guy".

I think the same kind of lesson can be applied to suicidal thoughts. People who contemplate suicide usually have negative thoughts, such as, "I'm not good enough", or, "I don't deserve happiness." These thoughts can be changed. It takes a while, but those thoughts can be replaced with more positive ones. Find things you like about yourself, and things you have accomplished in life. Focus thoughts on those and the future positive things you can accomplish. Eventually, your whole world may begin to change.

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