From My Heart to Yours,
I have some great news to share with you, but first let me tell you the powerful story of Lily Palmer and her daughter, Jasmine.
Why this matters?
When Jasmine found evidence that her husband was cheating on her, she was completely distraught. Despite having a small son at home, all she could think was that she wanted to die. The pain of his betrayal was too much to bear.
Jasmine soon overdosed and slipped into a coma. When her husband found her lying on the floor, he immediately called for an ambulance. The paramedics reached her in time and, after hours in a coma, doctors were able to successfully revive her.
But that wasn’t the end. When she came to and recalled everything that had happened, she was devastated that her suicide attempt had failed. She was determined to try again, only this time she would do it in a place where no one could find her in time.
When Lily Palmer learned about her daughter’s suicide attempt she was heartbroken. She knew she had to try to do something, but she had no idea what to do. “Feeling helpless,” Lily said, “I brought her to my home and gave her Dr, Joyce's book, God’s Heavenly Answers to read. While I didn't expect her to, she did indeed read it, and her whole attitude changed. She was able to call Joyce, who was willing to have long conversations with her.”
Fortunately, Jasmine soon started to see things differently. She started to take an eternal perspective on her life and she no longer wanted to die. Her mother’s intervention worked. Today, Jasmine is a happy homemaker and her husband has been loving and “very devoted” to her ever since. She is not without problems, of course, but she can no longer imagine taking her own life.
Jasmine’s story is hardly unique. Feeling suicidal is surprisingly common. The good news is we can all do something to help. In fact, sometimes the emotional support of a loving family member or friend can make all the difference in the world. Other times it may be a powerful book, or transforming conversation. Sometimes even just a kind word can bring people back from the brink.
Maybe you can help save a life! Look around you. Can you think of someone who needs help, or maybe just an encouraging word?
What are we doing?
Did you hear the big news? We now have a regular column in the Virgin River Times!
The column will focus on answers to wide-ranging questions from readers. As a board-certified expert and Diplomate with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress®, as well as the Founder and President of Stress and Grief Relief, Inc.—a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing hope and preventing suicide and its causes—answers to questions from readers will draw on my experience as an expert in suicide, depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, and grief.
If you would like to have your question featured, visit the “Dear Dr. Joyce” column on the Virgin River Times website at VirginRiverTimes.com or email Dr. Joyce directly at AskWisdom@Yahoo.com
To learn more about the work we are doing or to download a free copy of my most recent books, please be sure to visit HopeDoctor.Org today.
From my heart to yours, with love and prayers for special blessings,
Dr. Joyce
About Dr. Joyce Hunt Brown
Making frequent guest appearances on television as “The Hope Doctor,” Dr. Joyce Brown is recognized as a Diplomate by the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress®. She is the Founder and President of Stress and Grief Relief, Inc., a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fighting stress, anger, and depression, giving hope to survivors, and preventing suicide. She has authored many books, including the bestseller, God’s Heavenly Answers: Near-Death Experience Revealed; and her most recent book, Near Death Survivor Conquers ALS, Blindness, Depression, Grief, Suicide & More: A Book of Hope.
