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Full disclosure: I was ridiculously excited when I recently got the email saying I was chosen to write articles and stories for the You Matter blog. In fact, I was so excited that I could not wipe the smile off my face. I texted friends to share the good news, and my coworkers noticed my increased excitement and asked about it. So I happily told them that I had the opportunity to write posts about a cause that was so important to me – suicide prevention. “Oh.” After the initial shock of my dropping the “s-word”, they were very supportive. But that “Oh” reminded me of all the times I have heard that in the past.

“Oh” has proceeded a lot of things that come after dropping the s-word. “Oh. Why are you pursuing a career in suicide prevention?” “Oh. Why would you choose to have an interest in that population?” “Oh. Well, I think that is a bad field to go into.” Though I think it was worse when there was a floating “Oh” with the facial expression of pure judgment, followed by that person suddenly avoiding me completely.

The absolute worst was when almost two years ago, my mother died by suicide. I never heard anyone say “Oh” when I told them, but I felt it louder than I could have ever heard it. And it hurt.

My mother was very sick and was dealing with so many things. My mother was in treatment for mental and physical health. Sometimes people can be receiving services, and though this is not the case for most, all of the services may not be enough. This is hard for those who have experienced a death like this; hindsight sets in and it can cause feelings of more guilt. Despite my painful loss, I found my way back to suicide prevention. The Lifeline’s theme for Suicide Prevention Month this year is “Everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention.” This is exactly why I came back to this field, why I have always been interested in this field, and why I am so excited to be able to write for this blog.

Everyone can do something. My experience allows me to be able to talk to people about suicide and help them find help. In my job, I can assess people for suicide risk and without sharing my past, I can effectively communicate the importance of services and help them get treatment and emergency attention. I facilitate a grief group specifically for those who have experienced someone dying by suicide to provide hope and support. I can share stories with readers so they feel less alone.

I have a role I can play, but so does everyone. It could be as simple as learning the warning signs or how to assist someone struggling with thoughts of suicide.

Please join us in using the hashtag #BeThe1To and fill in what you want to encourage others to do. #BeThe1ToSpreadAwareness


Comments

9
  • Marisa Frisby

    Beautifully said.

    Posted on

  • salty

    salty salty

    Reply Author

    I suppose I’m an enigma
    I’ve suffered with suicidal ideation for some time now, I don’t want to do it just my own mind tells me I should, people don’t see the internal battle, fighting our own emotions due to issues, not knowing where to go how to talk, people say it’s selfish well that’s a selfish thing to say
    As I said I suffer
    My own mind tells me my family will no longer see me suffer there pain will stop, they no longer feel they have to do this or that, i see my loved ones first and how my struggle is affecting them, then i see even more no other answer……..
    I’ve been close the fights take so much out of me yet I still fight
    Please don’t see those who’ve gone as selfish, see them as people who’s illness gave them no other option

    Yours faithfully and lovingly
    XxX

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  • Allison Thomas

    Keep fighting. Never believe your mind when it’s telling you to hurt yourself. Practice mindfulness if you can and volunteer with people or animals that are suffering. It will keep your mind off yourself and on them. The voice will diminish and eventually go away.
    Blessings and Hope and Love, Allison

    Posted on

  • Allison Thomas

    Keep fighting. Never believe your mind when it’s telling you to hurt yourself. Practice mindfulness if you can and volunteer with people or animals that are suffering. It will keep your mind off yourself and on them. The voice will diminish and eventually go away.
    Blessings and Hope and Love, Allison

    Posted on

  • Jan Serino

    Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

    Posted on

  • Collene Clune

    Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift. Web Design Services

    Posted on

  • anch

    anch anch

    Reply Author

    If you want to get a great deal from this article then you have
    to apply such strategies to your won webpage.

    Posted on

    • Vibrant Communications

      Thank you for sharing your story. Just know that we are here for you. If you need someone to talk to please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK. The call is free and confidential, and crisis workers are there 24/7 to assist you. The Lifeline is there for everyone.

      Posted on