Guest Author - Jackie O´Neal

How Sunflowers inspire Hope

The month of May has been identified as National Mental Health Month and in its honor, iFred ( The International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression) is extending an invitation to potential donors who wish to contribute by donating seeds to the 1st Annual Field of Hope. May 31st is the scheduled date for the sunflower field to be planted in Goodland, Kansas.
A project of this scope is noteworthy to participate in for anyone who has a loved one who may be afflicted with depression, or who has lost a loved one to suicide as a result of depression.

Statistics drawn from The World Health Organization indicate that by the year 2020, depression will be the 2nd leading cause of “health impairment” worldwide. Currently, Depression also ranks high as one of the leading causes of suicide.

Several years ago, one of my relatives, my sister-in-law through a previous marriage, jumped eight stories to her death as a result of Depression. She was a talented artist who had already at a young age, enjoyed renown through a one-woman community exhibit in Riverdale, NY.

Although she had been prescribed Zoloft, the anti-depressant, she continued to suffer long bouts of depression until her horrific suicide at the age of 41. Of course, there are countless cases like this.
Kathryn Goetzke White, the founder of iFred, also lost close loved ones to depression: her father and aunt.
She considers herself a “depression survivor”, and I’m clear her devastating losses served as the impetus for initiating her meritorious endeavor.

The author, Anna Lappe once wrote: “Hope does not come from calculating whether the good news is winning out over the bad- it’s simply a choice to take action.” With the bright, optimistic sunflower reaching towards the sun, standing proudly as a symbol of hope, we can focus our minds on taking action towards supporting an endeavor that targets finding updated treatments for depression, as well as prevention models - so desperately needed to save lives.
Currently, iFred is also seeking testimonials from people afflicted by depression who may wish to share their personal struggles with others and help touch lives.

For more information, Visit: http://www.thefieldofhope.org and http://www.depression.org

Want to get inspired to help carry on the mission of charity?
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