Monday, January 14, 2013

April 7, 2013 Motorcycle Ride to Lake Okeechobee

On April 7, 2013, Ride from the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood to Lake Okeechobee. Please join me for this event.  More information at belinda.hd2011@gmail.com; 786-351-3374 or visit: www.suiciderun.net

Who is at risk for suicide? www.suiciderun.net

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities are at risk for suicide. But people most at risk tend to share certain characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are:
  • Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder
  • A prior suicide attempt
  • Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse
  • Family history of suicide
  • Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
  • Having guns or other firearms in the home
  • Incarceration, being in prison or jail
  • Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or media figures.
The risk for suicidal behavior also is associated with changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which is also associated with depression. Lower levels of serotonin have been found in the brains of people with a history of suicide attempts.
Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. Suicide is not a normal response to stress. It is however, a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention.
How can suicide be prevented?

Effective suicide prevention is based on sound research. Programs that work take into account people's risk factors and promote interventions that are appropriate to specific groups of people.

Research has shown that mental and substance abuse disorders are risk factors for suicide. Therefore, many programs focus on treating these disorders in addition to addressing suicide risk specifically.

Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," can effectively reduce suicide risk.  There are also medications that can help with suicidal tendencies.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-in-america/how-can-suicide-be-prevented.shtml

As always, family, friends and co-workers, are the first to notice irrational behavior.  Learning about the risks factors associated with suicide should be a priority for everyone.  Suicide is 100% preventable. 

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

February 1, 2013 CLE Luncheon with Maria M. Schneider and Judge Elijah Williams. Juvenile Court Update. Broward County Bar Association.

Maria M. Schneider, Esq.
Assistant State Attorney in Charge
Juvenile Division, 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida

Maria M. Schneider is the Assistant State Attorney in Charge of the Juvenile Division for the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Since joining the office in 1993 Ms. Schneider had served as a lead attorney in the felony trial division, the Sexual Battery Unit, the Organized Crime and Gang Activity Unit and the Career Criminal Unit. Upon receiving her JD degree from Nova Southeastern University’s Center from the Study of law in 1986 until 1993 Ms. Schneider was employed as an Assistant Public Defender in Broward County, FL. Ms. Schneider is actively involved in numerous community and professional organizations that advocate for the rights and wellbeing of children such as the Florida Bar Juvenile Rules Committee, the Juvenile Justice Board for the 17th Judicial Circuit, and Partners in Education, a non-profit organization that puts businesses and schools together to form coalitions to support students and from 1999 to 2009 the Broward County chapter of Communities in Schools, a non-profit organization that focuses on dropout prevention. She also teaches as an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University, Nova Southeastern University, and lectures for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, the Florida Prosecuting Attorney’s Association, the Florida Association of School Resource Officers, the Office of the Attorney General and the National District Attorney’s Association. Ms. Schneider was appointed to the Council by Gov. Rick Scott.


Broward County Bar Association . 1051 S.E. 3rd Avenue . Fort Lauderdale, FL . 33316 . 954.764.8040
http://www.browardbar.org/paralegal.htm

http://www.browardbar.org/