Whenever we have the unfortunate circumstance of enduring the tragedy and loss that a suicide brings, our first instinct is to ask, "Why did this happen?". At that moment it seems unfathomable that someone would take their own life in lieu of what they had and accomplished in life. However, statistics show that over 99% of us have thought about taking our own lives at some point or another. A friend reminded me today, that 'suicide is a permanent solution to the temporary problems of the world'. Please know, that in no way am I oversimplifying the causes of suicide or overlooking it's weight. Many of us have someone that we have lost to suicide, including myself. The motivating element that causes one to transition from thinking to doing is a powerful one. It is capable of engulfing one to the point where all light of hope and life are snuffed out. It blocks all other options save for the grim one it suggests. It causes you to forget all that you have and remember all that you don't. This darkness is dangerous, and all of us have it, at least a grain of it. Every single one of us have some type of darkness in our lives. It could be something we've done in our past, or something that plagues us on a constant basis. Everyone has a secret or two. Things that we'd rather not have anyone know about us. (This is the darkness I have referred to in previous posts). If we let these things remain in hiding in our hearts, they can quickly overcome us. Shame, fear, and guilt provide a solid breeding ground for our darkness. When we deem our secrets "too shameful to tell", we write death sentences for our souls. That darkness burgeons within us, it seeps into every fiber of our being until it is all we can see. I believe that it is at this point that one transitions from thinking about suicide to actually doing it.
But if we all have the capacity, how do we stop this? How to we prevent it from taking over us? We must vanquish the darkness by shining a light on it. Tell someone. If you are struggling with something or holding something back, tell someone about it. Talk to a trusted friend, pastor, counselor, or call the suicide help line. Keep trying until someone listens. Everyone needs help sometimes, and there is no shame taking it. It's easy to feel like you are the only one dealing with what you have going on, but IT IS NOT TRUE. We are never alone in our struggles, and the biggest part of the battle is accepting that and getting help. There is always hope, no matter how bleak a situation looks. We are all worthy of love and help. It is time to rise up and take a stand against this. It all starts with being a good friend. Being a good friend to yourself and get help, and be a good friend to people around you. Listen to others and NEVER take a problem or a friend who has talked about suicide lightly. By listening and confiding in each other, we can help save lives.
Resources:
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Helpline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
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