Teen suicide rates nationally are on the increase, and the teen suicide rate in Colorado remains one of the highest in the nation at 17 deaths per 100,000, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that the suicide rate in American adolescents (especially girls aged 10 to 24 years) increased 8 percent (2003 to 2004), the largest jump in 15 years.^[1][2]

1. (Source: Highlands Behavioral Health Hospital [⇧]
2. PDF of Article [⇧]

Phil, author of Musings of a Christian Psychologist, posted an interesting article on “Women, Victimization, & Fear.” Presenter Sarah Lipp’s (HarvestUSA, Chattanooga, TN office) one hour presentation souind incredible. I may need to find other sources of her work. Because this is such an important post, I’ve saved it in pdf format!^[1]

Interesting thing to note is his mention of “Endorphin Compensation Hypothesis”:

To understand how trauma can lead to emotional distress and affect alcohol consumption, it is important to understand the biochemical changes that occur during and after an experience of uncontrollable trauma. During uncontrollable trauma, an increase in endogenous opioids (endorphins) helps to numb the pain of the trauma Following the trauma, however, a rebound endorphin withdrawal can contribute to the symptoms of emotional distress observed after a traumatic event as well as an increased desire to drink alcohol.

The endorphin compensation hypothesis assumes that people use alcohol following a traumatic experience in an attempt to relieve the endorphin deficiency. According to this hypothesis, this use of alcohol creates a vicious cycle in which more alcohol is needed to prevent subsequent endorphin withdrawal symptoms. Chronic exposure to this addictive cycle can lead to alcohol addiction. Special populations, such as women, may be at particular risk for trauma-induced, co-occurring alcoholism and psychopathology. This model has important implications for the treatment of trauma-induced psychological distress and alcohol addiction.”^[2]

1. DOWNLOAD: women-victimization-fear.pdf [⇧]
2. Source: “The Role of Uncontrollable Trauma in the Development of PTSD and Alcohol Addiction” (BALARAMAN, BUX, HAHN, VOLPICELLI, WALLACE, 1999). [⇧]

You simply must listen to the end to be completely inspired!

RAINN is providing a National Sexual Assault Online Hotline. In most cases, I don’t believe online counseling is ethical. However, in the case of any type of sexual abuse/rape/etc… this seems like a great beginning to stabilization.
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