Sometimes, my hottakes are fun.  Sometimes they are silly.  Today- I‘m going to address a very serious subject.  

As many of us would attest, the teenage years and high school were tough – and with social media and intense competition to get into College, I dare say it’s tougher now. And unfortunately, suicide rates in teens are spiking. I don’t have any answers, but here are some warning signs: 

-Talking about death, suicide, and/or self-harm

-Changes in personality or behavior that is out of character

-Talking about feeling worthless, helpless, and/or hopeless

-Changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia and hypersomnia

-Changes in eating habits, including appetite loss and overeating

-Risky or self-destructive behavior

-Changes in behavior, including lack of concentration and changes in school performance

-Isolating from peers and/or family

-Giving away prized possessions

-Expressing feelings of overwhelming shame and guilt, and making statements that others don’t care or others will be better off without me

-Lack of hope for the future – feeling like things can’t possibly improve

-Visiting or calling on loved ones

-Getting affairs in order.

It breaks my heart for anyone going through this.  My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. 

 #hottakeoftheday