*warning, this post may contain triggers*
Statistics show that suicide rates are highest in spring.
There is a monster that let all other monsters look like purring kittens. It’s the monster called Suicide…
‘Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. Suicide is often committed out of despair.’
Suicide Facts
An average of one person dies by suicide every 16.2 minutes
Many who attempt suicide never seek professional care.
For young people 15-24 years old, suicide is the third leading cause of death.
Substance abuse is a risk factor for suicide.
The strongest risk factor for suicide is depression.
Suicide can be prevented through education and public awareness.
Are you battling this monster? Do you have suicidal thoughts? Do you think no one cares?
Suicide is never the answer
Getting help is the answer
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
Suicide doesn’t end pain, it just gives your pain to your loved ones.
You need to hear that people do get through this. Even people who feel as badly as you are feeling now. Do not lose HOPE.
Give yourself some distance. Say to yourself, “I will wait 24 hours before I do anything.” Or a week. Remember that feelings and actions are two different things – just because you feel like killing yourself, doesn’t mean that you have to actually do it right this minute. Put some distance between your suicidal feelings and suicidal action. Even if it’s just 24 hours. You came this far, you can take 24 hours more.
People often turn to suicide because they are seeking relief from pain. Remember that relief is a feeling. And you have to be alive to feel it. You will not feel the relief you so desperately seek, if you are dead.
Some people will react badly to your suicidal feelings, either because they are frightened, or angry; they may actually increase your pain instead of helping you, despite their intentions, by saying or doing thoughtless things. You have to understand that their bad reactions are about their fears, not about you.
But there are people out there who can be with you in this horrible time, and will not judge you, or argue with you, or send you to a hospital, or try to talk you out of how badly you feel. They will simply care for you. Find one of them. Now. Use your 24 hours, or your week, and tell someone what’s going on with you. It is okay to ask for help. Try:
•Send an anonymous e-mail to The Samaritans
•Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
•Call a psychotherapist
•Carefully choose a friend or a minister or rabbi, someone who is likely to listen. Do NOT stay silent, TALK!
Do you think someone you know is battling this monster?
DO NOT TURN AWAY!!! LISTEN AND REACH OUT!!!
If a friend or family member is suicidal, the best way to help is by offering an empathetic, listening ear. Let your loved one know that he or she is not alone and that you care.
Warning Signs of Suicide
These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide.
•Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
•Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
•Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
•Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
•Talking about being a burden to others.
•Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
•Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
•Sleeping too little or too much.
•Withdrawn or feeling isolated.
•Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
•Displaying extreme mood swings.
Additional Warning Signs of Suicide
•Preoccupation with death.
•Suddenly happier, calmer.
•Loss of interest in things one cares about.
•Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.
•Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order.
•Giving things away, such as prized possessions.
It should be noted that some people who die by suicide do not show any suicide warning signs.
A suicidal person urgently needs to see a doctor or mental health professional.
If You See the Warning Signs of Suicide…
In an emergency, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Begin a dialogue by asking questions. Suicidal thoughts are common with some mental illnesses and your willingness to talk about it in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational way can be the help a person needs to seeking professional help. Questions okay to ask:
•”Do you ever feel so badly that you think about suicide?”
•”Do you have a plan to commit suicide or take your life?”
•”Have you thought about when you would do it (today, tomorrow, next week)?”
•”Have you thought about what method you would use?”
Asking these questions will help you to determine if your friend or family members is in immediate danger, and get help if needed. A suicidal person should see a doctor or mental health professional immediately. Calling the local emergency number or going to a hospital emergency room are also good options to prevent a tragic suicide attempt or death. Calling the National Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) is also a resource for you or the person you care about for help. Remember, always take thoughts of or plans for suicide seriously.
Never keep a plan for suicide a secret. Don’t worry about risking a friendship if you truly feel a life is in danger. You have bigger things to worry about-someone’s life might be in danger!
Don’t try to minimize problems or shame a person into changing their mind. Your opinion of a person’s situation is irrelevant. Trying to convince a person suffering with a mental illness that it’s not that bad, or that they have everything to live for may only increase their feelings of guilt and hopelessness. Reassure them that help is available, that what they are experiencing is treatable, and that suicidal feelings are temporary. Life can get better!
This is it
–
This is it
Right now
This is where it all ends
The pain
The suffering
Self-hate
Never good enough
Or
Strong enough
It’s time
To leave it all behind
A thousand untold stories
The madness
The cruelty
Right now
It has to end
My life
Because
I am done
Done fighting
Done struggling
This is the end
No more sorrow
For me
–
This is it
Right now
This is where it all begins
The pain
The suffering
Guilt
It wasn’t enough
Or
I did it wrong
This time
I was left behind
A thousand questions unanswered
The hurt
The grief
Right now
Because you ended
Your life
But
I wasn’t done
Done saving
Done caring
This is the beginning
Only sorrow
For me…
– Just Patty –
You are not alone. I am right here to listen…
Read on:
http://www.save.org
http://www.suicide.org
http://m.helpguide.org/articles/suicide-prevention/suicide-prevention