By Vincent Shu, MD
I am saddened anytime someone commits suicide, especially when it happens in our community.
There were 19 suicide attempts resulting in six suicides in San Juan County in 2016. In 2017, 21 attempts and four suicides. This pattern suggests that we need to identify and treat at least four individuals in order to save one life.
Many individuals with mental illness or behavior disorders are prescribed anti-depressants. Unfortunately, the drugs may cause side effects such as trouble sleeping, nausea, sexual problems and feeling tired, which can jeopardize the patient’s quality of life. Furthermore, antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior which led to an FDA-issued black box warning of suicidal ideation.
In contrast, Acupuncture can stimulate and increase the production of the body’s natural neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and plasma (such as enkephalin, epinephrine, endorphin, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine) that create the feeling of wellbeing. In other words, acupuncture can facilitate the better usage of our body’s own natural chemistry, creating the potential for similar or sometimes better benefits than synthetic drugs, without the risks of addiction or side effects.
Acupuncture can empower patients and help them get back on the path of well-being. After sessions of acupuncture, I have seen that individuals may let go of their emotions physically by crying. Depression/anxiety are lessened after acupuncture sections.
The effect of acupuncture is cumulative, benefiting from a series of sessions of acupuncture over a period of time. Studies suggest a significant role for lifestyle changes and offer several avenues for improving brain health associated with depression, particularly nutrition. I offer home care visits and provide nutritional counseling. It is important to eat healthy food. This can make a difference.
While collaborating with mental health providers, our clinic is willing to help out any individuals in need through a difficult time in their life. When there are financial difficulties, the clinic offers acupuncture sessions for free.
In the meantime, our clinic institutes this fundraising letter. I urge you to help us in any way if you are able in this project. Our clinic is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3), meaning donations are tax deductible under U. S. law. if you would like to help by making a donation, write a check payable to Washington Institute of Natural Sciences and send it by mail in one of two ways: 1. Key Bank, 487 Main St, P.O. Box 30 Eastsound, WA 98245, or 2. Sent directly to 685 Spring Street #158, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.
Our Board wishes to convey our heartfelt thanks to dedicated, caring donors (whether small or large) to help out this project. For more info, contact the clinic at 360-376-2564 or email donation@wins-medicine.org.
