Monday, January 16, 2012

Article: Murder-Suicides on the Rise

From lovers to family issues, murder-suicides have dominated the headlines this last year. The latest out of Coronado where four people were found dead on New Year's Day. The victims include two Navy pilots, one of whom turned the gun on himself.
One of the most shocking cases of 2011 came out of Paradise Hills. The mother was found dead in a bathtub and the bodies of the father and two young daughter were found in the backyard pool. The father was reportedly struggling with finances.
"People are identifying who they are with their financial bracket and how much they can provide," says Voneva Denham, a suicide prevention specialist. She created Glam for Life Suicide Intervention and Outreach Organization in San Diego. She lost both her mother and grandmother to suicide.
Denham is noticing a drastic increase in triggers, even among children.
"Ten and eleven-year-olds, so babies. Babies are beginning to feel this is their only option," she says.
Those feelings, Denham says, are exacerbated by our growing dependence on material things and the down economy. Although the economic outlook appears bleak, Denham is confident the human spirit and will to live can prevail with support.
Here are some resources:
San Diego Crisis Hotline 1-800-479-3339
http://www.HarmoniousLifeSolutions.org
Youth Talkline: 1-877-450-LINE
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) - San Diego Chapter, 1-760-459-9959
National Suicide Prevention Hotline - for Veterans: 1-800-273-TALK, press "1" for Veterans.

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