September Suicide Prevention

As we get through the month of suicide prevention awareness, I want to acknowledge those who struggle or who have struggled with thoughts of wanting to give up on life. It’s a lingering thought to some or maybe just a “what if” to others. But that particular thought can take over someone’s entire world if it gets out of control. In some cases, individuals are able to make their way out of that dark hole, get the help they need, and take control of their lives. Not saying that it’s that simple, but there are some people that have survived through the darkness. But what about the one’s who couldn’t see passed that darkness?

 There are a number of resources made available for those who need or want help with subsiding suicidal thoughts. But what if you’ve tried everything possible for a loved one, and they still attempt it? What if you called the suicide hotline and they didn’t respond because the person that was threatening suicide claims they weren’t a threat to themselves? What if the person threatening suicide has gone through multiple hospital visits in the past and refuses to go back again? What if that person doesn’t keep up with their medication and complains about all the side effects of each medication? What if that person is a threat to you while trying to prevent them from committing suicide? My point is, it is important to know and use, if it comes down to it, all of these resources made available because there can be so many great outcomes that can come out of using these resources. But what if you’ve tried all of it, everything. And that loved one goes through with it. That loved one is gone and you and everyone else is left to pick up the pieces. You’re left raising the children he has left behind, a mom is left with an unbearably, aching pain that will never subside, a sister and brother are left trying to keep their mother afloat, and friends are left questioning who was this person they only knew as a goofy, confident, hard working individual, never knowing the darkness he was actually living with? What do you do when you tried everything and it still happens? 

Most people who are having suicidal thoughts or have tried are people suffering from some form of mental illness. “46% of those who die by suicide had a known mental health condition” (Mental Health by the Numbers, NAMI 2019). Most of the time these mental illnesses are from a long road of trauma and unfortunate life experiences that lead to development of depression, bipolar, anxiety, ptsd, etc. I don’t know what the answer is to prevent suicide but I assume the earlier we start digging into our mental, maybe there’s a better outcome. And I mean earlier before suicide is even a question, earlier as in during our youth. 

“50% of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14, and 75% develop by age 24. The "normal" and expected personality and behavior changes of adolescence may mimic or mask symptoms of a mental health condition. Early engagement and support are crucial to improving outcomes and increasing the promise of recovery” (Mental Health by the Numbers, NAMI 2019).

Im a true believer in therapy. I started therapy as an adult, only about 2 years ago and I’m not sure how I would have gone through these incredibly tough life-changing 2 years without her. Yet, I’m able to see through it on every bad day and I believe therapy plays a huge part in that. I couldn’t imagine what therapy would have done for me if I had started a lot sooner, in my adolescent years or even younger. I think, the younger we make it aware to our children that there is a safe space to talk about feelings with professionals, and with you too of course, then the more likely they are able to process their emotions and behaviors and develop coping skills to help them deal with trauma or everyday ups and downs. 

Healthy coping skills are key to getting through traumatic times. Coping skills could possibly help someone get through times they might have questioned their existence. I am not a professional by an means, but I am a suicide loss survivor. I watched someone who was very close to me struggle with bipolar behavior, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, and just life in general. But he lacked coping skills and only did things to mask the pain. Sometimes, I think to myself, maybe if he had better coping skills, he could have possibly gotten through it. 

So, I wanted to continue to spread the awareness of suicide prevention, share the resources, but to also raise the question of how can we prevent this before suicide is even an option? I don’t think there is one solid answer, but I think there is hope in spreading awareness and taking care of ourselves, our children, and our loved ones. 

RESOURCES:

NAMI.ORG

This website gives so much insight on what suicidal behavior looks like, how to talk to a loved one about it, where to go, how to help, and information about all of the mental health conditions.

Suicide Prevention Hotline

800-273-8255

Suicide Text Message Hotline

741741

Therapy Resources for Adults and Children 

Psychologytoday.com

In Nashville, 

ECB Councseling, Psychotherapy, and Wellness Center

(615) 212-8955. 

Nashville Counceling Associates

(615) 579-5747