HOUSTON, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- According to published statistics by the CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - in the United States it is estimated that 91 people will commit suicide this very day. This is equivalent to one successful suicide every 16 minutes. The CDC Summer of 2009 Statistics Publication article "Facts at a Glance" listed suicide as the eleventh leading cause of death among Americans, the second leading cause of death among 25- to 34-year-olds, and the third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds. The data states that suicide deaths are only part of the problem since more people actually survive suicide attempts than who actually die from suicide (http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/Suicide-DataSheet-a.pdf).

Having survived a suicide attempt early in life, writer Yolanda Shanks, author of "Destined To Live, Despite Me," understands and tackles the stigma associated with surviving suicide directly. Shanks writes with warmth and compassion outlining the biblical approach to rebuilding one's life. Shanks offers scriptural truths and practical solutions for the many painful issues suicide-attempt survivors face after they have sought and obtained needed medical counseling.

As stated within the "U.S. Public Health Service, The Surgeon General's Call To Action To Prevent Suicide. Washington, DC: 1999" (http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calltoaction/calltoaction.htm), "Suicide is a serious public health problem." Shanks agrees: "As the American people continue to struggle with economic calamities, social woes, and family breakdowns, God is the inexhaustible component to combat this problem and provide spiritual healing."  

Senior Pastor, Alief Baptist Church, Houston, TX, Donald G. Burgs, Jr., states, "This is the time for a book such as this! 'Destined to Live, Despite Me' shares with the reader Mrs. Shank's story of why and how she survived the attempt of suicide during her teenage years. Further, Yolanda expresses to the readers how she, as well as they, must toss the 'cookie-cutter image' of the face of suicide. Many more people within our church communities need to be as open, focused, and passionate about assisting persons within our congregation who wrestle with thoughts of taking their own lives. This is a definitive word with biblical principles for attempted suicide survivors."

With no medical or counseling background, Shanks has embraced a sensitive topic valiantly. She says, "In truth, absolutely everyone has a breaking point, whether they believe it or not. I am certain that this book will assist anyone who simply needs spiritual direction for purposeful and meaningful living!"

This book is written for everybody who has a PAST and a PRESENT, because it gives Hope for the FUTURE.

Media: Please contact author for interviews or review copies, or visit http://www.yolandashanks.com ("Attn: Media") for cover art and sample chapter.  

ISBN: 978-0-578-05468-1; Retail Price: $14.99; Paperback; Pages: 144; Purchases: Barnes and Noble, Anchor Distributors, through http://www.yolandashanks.com and at 888-433-3788.

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SOURCE Yolanda Shanks

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