World Suicide Prevention Day

Light Over Darkness

Suicide Prevention

In a crisis call 1-800-273-8255 or Text "Home" to 741-741

World Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day observed on 10 September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003.

Today the world reacts to news of Pastor, author and mental health advocate Jarrid Wilson's death by suicide.

Wilson, known as a passionate preacher, most recently was an associate pastor at megachurch Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. A co-founder of the mental health nonprofit Anthem of Hope, Wilson was open about his own depression, often posting on his social media accounts about his battles with the mental illness.

“At a time like this, there are just no words,” said Harvest Administrative Pastor Paul Eaton in a statement. Excerpt Religion News.com

As I process the news I am reminded that noone is immune from the throws of this life. Even the seemingly the brightest among us.  We have to be deliberate in our ongoing efforts to prevent suicide.  All of us are key players in suicide prevention.

Tools You Can Use | Take 5 Steps To Save Lives

5 Signs of Emotional Suffering

• Sudden Personality Changes
• Seem Angry, Agitated, and Have Mood Swings
• Isolating Themselves
• Poor Self-Care
• Overhelmed By Circumstances

Emotional suffering affects us in many different ways and levels. Be an inspiration to them. Give them time and compassion. Connect, reach out, and allow them to let you help them in the road to recovery. Remember that the best gift sometimes is in knowing you are not alone through these debilitating moments. Source: Power of Positivity.com

If you or someone you know is in need of emotional support or help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained helpers are available 24/7.
1-800-273-TALK (8255)

The Power of Influence

Technology

 

“Influencer marketing (also influence marketing) is a form of marketing in which focus is placed on specific key individuals (or types of individual) rather than the target market as a whole.” Over the last five years, it has grown from obscurity to a form of marketing where even the biggest brands understand its value.
 

 

During the height of the past week’s Chicken Sandwich Wars between Popeyes and Chick-Fil- A we witnessed the power influencer marketing.

 

News One Reports Chicken Sandwich War Helps Give Popeyes $24 Million In Free Advertising

  

 

Cool Story | (Washington DC) | via MSN Bri Hall tweeting about a local D.C. spot Roaming Rooster and received free chicken for life.

 

In The News

 

Digital Advertisers are having to adjust their influencer marketing strategies in light of Instagram’s like count update. Instagram has started testing hiding the like count on photos, so audiences can’t see how many people have liked an individual post. Facebook also has announced it is considering hiding like count as well. Read More via AdAge.com

 

Technically We Are All Influencers

  

Merriam-Webster defines an influencer as "one who exerts influence: a person who inspires or guides the actions of others." By this definition, an influencer is anyone who influences others to take action, including bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, and so on - not just Instagram stars.

 

Do you understand the power of your influence? Are you using your influence for good?

 

Six Ways To Use Your Influence

 

• Use Your Platform To Raise Awareness For Causes Close To Your Heart
• Show Support For Brands and Products That You Believe In
• Build Connections and Encourage Collaboration
• Lead By Example
• Share Your Story
• Empower Others

  

 

We should all stop and think about who we influence. Take inventory of our experiences, our talents and abilities, our passions and interests. Most of us have far more influence than we’ve ever imagined. The influence that you have can be incredibly more powerful if you and I would just take the simple step of being a little more intentional about our influence.