Sometimes the hurt is too deep and it doesn’t feel like a temporary problem. Even when the rest of us know that it is. The perception of the one hurting, may not be able to see the storm can and will pass.
SUICIDE.
What an intense word. Horrific action. Heartbreaking silence. Crisis called to attention too late. The haunting of the “what ifs.”
Yet, this is an option that so many, about 121 people a day of all ages, decide to opt for. I am betting most of us know someone who has completed or attempted suicide. Every 38 seconds 1 person attempts suicide. Maybe this has led people to become numb to it. To let it drown out in the background. For others it is a sign that something needs to be done.
Chris Cornell sadly is one of suicides recent victims that made the news. How can we take this news and do something helpful with it? People often don’t know what to say or what to do. Often times, it is better to just sit with someone in silence than to do nothing at all.
An acquaintance also stated this was an option he tried this last week. He is now receiving help.
What about the current show on Netflix, 13 Reasons Why, that explains a characters choice of suicide. This is a great platform to get a conversation started, because after all. It is just a show or is it? A show that portrays hundreds of thousands Americans. Even more if we considered the world population.
What Can I Do?
The message could be: to be kind and genuine. Listen to people. Stop treating people like they don’t matter. Let those in your life know they are more important than your cell phone. Validate their depression instead of deny it. Help them find ways to work through their depression. Ask direct questions, even as bold as “do you want to kill yourself?”
Perhaps the message is something else. Though this is a choice that people make, it is one of many paths a person can decide.
I encourage you to find resources you can share and share them. Take a suicide prevention training. Stick up for those that are getting treated poorly. Continue to reach out even when annoying our person.
Can suicide be glorified? In my opinion, only to those looking to glorify suicide.
My point in writing this is just to spread some awareness and resources. This heartbreaker, Suicide can be found in every neighborhood. Every life matters.
Resources
Though we cannot always prevent a suicide, we can arm ourselves with resources to provide.
Suicide Prevention Services of America If you are feeling suicidal – Call 800-273-8255
