ARE YOUR BLIND IN THE MIND?

By Amoah Jones

Why do you curse your skin,
Black women?
Why do you preach and despise your culture, black man?
Children of Africa, why are you crying, because of corruption?
What have you done about your DNA?
Your are fighting for democracy,
Yet you have autocratic behavior.
You are calling for a change for  your country.
And you're devastated,
Because  there is no change.
Why don't you, change your deviant behavior.
And see the miracles.
You complain about, dirty environment,
Yet you don't sweep your doorstep.
Are you too blind in the heart and mind to think?
Do you know that what you wish for must,
Start from you making effort?
You have little faith yet you dream big.
Practice what you preach black father.
Learn to appreciate your color black women.
Above all change your benevolent behavior before you start judging your brother, Africa man.
Nothing made, nothing gain.
Bigger things starts from little things.
Make effort to change your world, Don't wish for others to change them for you black child.

Lessons you can learn from a dog

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face,
to be pure ecstasy
 

When it’s in your best interest,
practice obedience

Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory

Take naps and stretch before rising

Run romp and play daily
 

Thrive on attention and let people touch you

Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do

On warm days stop to lie on your back on the grass

On hot days drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree

When you’re happy dance around and wag your entire body
 

No matter how often you’re scolded,
don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout,
run right back and make friends
 

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm

Stop when you have had enough

Be loyal

Never pretend to be something you’re not
 

If what you want lies buried,
dig until you find it

When someone is having a bad day,
be silent….
…sit close by
…and nuzzle them gently.

Hopelessness: A Dangerous Suicide Warning Sign

by Kevin Caruso

The expression of hopelessness in conjunction with a mental disorder such as depression represents a very dangerous warning sign and always needs to be taken very seriously.
So what is hopelessness?
It is a feeling that conditions will never improve, that there is no solution to a problem, and, for many, a feeling that dying by suicide would be better than living.
Most people who feel hopeless have depression, and untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.
People often express hopelessness in statements that they make, such as the following:

• Things will never get better.


• There are no solutions to my problems.


• I will never be happy again.


• I will never get over what happened.


• I don't see things ever improving.


• There is no point in trying anymore.


• I just want to give up.


• Things are hopeless.


• I feel so hopeless.


• There is no hope for me.


• What do I have to look forward to?


• The future is empty for me.


• I only see things getting worse in the future.


• Everything is going downhill.


• I will never get back to the way I was.


• It's too late for me.


• There is nothing that I can do to make things better.

Numerous studies have shown that feelings of hopelessness in conjunction with a mental disorder can lead to suicide. Two such studies were conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine: one study tracked close to 2000 psychiatric outpatients deemed to be at risk for suicide, and the other tracked about 200 hospitalized psychiatric patients deemed to be at risk for suicide.
After patients were assessed, their levels of hopelessness -- based on a scale known as the "Beck Hopelessness Scale" - were recorded.
The individuals were tracked over the next several years, and, in both studies, significantly more suicides occurred in the group of individuals who exhibited the highest levels of hopelessness.
Thus, anyone expressing feelings of hopelessness who may be suffering from depression or a similar disorder needs to be evaluated as soon as possible.
Effective treatment can eliminate or substantially reduce feelings of hopelessness. Indeed, depression is highly treatable and the vast majority of people who receive treatment get better.
If you feel hopeless and think that you may be suffering from depression or a similar disorder, you need to reach out for help - and you need to do so now.
Please make an appointment with a medical doctor and a therapist so you may be evaluated.
And remember this: There always is hope. But you may not feel that hope until you receive effective treatment for any disorder that you might have.