Today is national Suicide Prevention Day. A day where we reflect on the insane epidemic that has taken over in our country that is mental illness and suicide.
Instead of reflecting today on how I could have prevented my father’s death, I reflect on how we can do something, anything to not let anyone go through the hell that our loved ones lived through and the hell that is being a survivor to a loved one that has ended their life.
I want you to know that the best way to honor your loved one is to fight. Fight for everyone who does not have a voice or is drowning from the absolute hell that is mental illness. The best thing you can do is not be silenced by the stigma but use your voice and your story to make sure another life is not effected by this tragedy.
I want you to remember that people around you and even people who are close to you are fighting battles every single day that you may have no idea. So be kind always. No matter what. It’s not like we walk around with t shirts saying “my dad just died” or “I almost didn’t get out of bed today” and it’s sad that it takes people going through something extremely obvious for others to rally together and stand with them, like a car crash, or cancer, for example. When someone is dealing with severe depression there is no one to bring you meals, get you out of bed to take you on a walk, get fresh air, or force you to take a shower. Most of the time no one even knows people are struggling so severely with things like depression and anxiety.
On average there are 123 suicides people day in the United States. Whether you are fighting for change, mental health awareness, and suicide prevention on a large scale, or simply implementing random acts of kindness into your day to reach out to someone who may be going through a tough time, you are making a difference. Nothing is too small, but you have to do something, anything.
To anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. I see you. You are not alone. You are strong and you will persevere even though the pain seems unbearable at times. I know it can feel like your loved one left you to carry the pain that they left behind, but that is not yours to carry and they did not intend for that. They were not even in the right mindset to understand the ramifications. They were drowning and thought this was the best decision for not just them but everyone.
To anyone who is struggling with depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts. I see you. You are not alone. You are going through immense hell and I know it feels like your drowning. I know it feels like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. I know you cannot possibly in this moment wrap your head around the thought that things will get better. They will. I promise. I’m praying for you. I want you to know that you are not your circumstances or your mental illness. Please reach out to someone for help. Please. Don’t do something irreversible. Talk to someone, anyone. This too shall pass.
Very good post…I don’t even know you but I am proud of your willingness to talk about your own experience with depression, your father’s suicide and how it all has affected you life. I’m truly so sorry for your loss…each time you write something I believe it will bring more healing. Keep it up. 😊
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Thank you♥️
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Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m sorry about your father. Mental illness needs to be talked about, thank you for speaking out. Stigma is still much too strong, causing those who need help not to reach out for help. Take care, Jenny
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I completely agree. The more we can speak out and fight to end the stigma, the closer we will get to helping others ♥️
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Absolutely! As a mental health advocate, I’m passionate about speaking out. The more that people talk about it and bring awareness, it’ll help lessen the stigma.
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