Sorry I am a little late with this blog posting. I just got home from a trip to Long Island where I grew up. In a small beach town on the south shore of Suffolk county I spent 4 days reminiscing and experiencing many bittersweet memories.

This visit I saw some friends I had not seen in 50 years; it was amazing how the memories came rushing back in a group setting with everyone talking of their personal remembrances. We each had something to share about that time so long ago.

   Buried at Work? 

I found an online article listing questions parents should ask before considering psychiatric hospitalization for their children.  I think there are some qood questions here, but I would like to add my 2 cents to certain questions. 

In the spirit of full disclosure I am a Psychiatric NP with many years experience including inpatient units. Psychiatric admissions and hospitalizations have changed dramatically in the last 20 years. What used to be for weeks even months is now days.

Research has shown those who are pessimistic have a higher risk of dying young.

Those who are more optimistic have better health, and better immune systems. Although pessimism may not be easy to change, you can tone it down with practice. No one expects or wants you to be a Pollyanna, trying to keep a positive attitude does not mean to tell yourself everything will be ok when you know it won’t.

There is a long complicated article in the NY Times today about suicide and impulsivity that is worth a read (if you can manage it.)

“Suicide autopsy” studies can give us lots of information, but no one really knows what goes through the head of a person just before he or she dies from suicide, it may be regret as suggested by one person interviewed by the author.

There are a few comments I would like to make about the article and suicide in general that are based on my own years of experience, and thoughts. If you can’t get through the article hopefully they will still make some sense to you.