Hey everyone, I just wanted to take a quick moment to do a plug for The Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This year I was reminded not once but twice what a valuable service this would be if only more people knew of its existence.
Without getting too personal, depression (of both the normal and manic varieties) along with a whole host of other neurological disorders unfortunately afflicts a number of people I’ve known through the years, and I’ve seen the symptoms leading up to suicide far more often than I would like. Unfortunately, the symptoms aren’t always easy to spot or assess. I’ve very recently had a close friend decide to take his own life, and as is usually the case in these situations, one ultimately feels retroactively helpless; there’s a sense that one could have and should have been able to do more, had we only known to try. In these cases, it’s not uncommon for the person suffering to do so completely and utterly alone, making it extremely difficult for those around to even know they need help.
In this sort of situation, anonymous phone lines like the aforementioned one can be an enormous help. Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to listen and tell you–even though it may sound hollow–that things will be all right. Sometimes just knowing that you have someone, anyone there makes all the difference.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to remember that the overwhelming majority of suicide attempts are results of extreme tribulation and distress, and not a simple call for attention.
If you know someone that seems vulnerable, don’t hesitate to let them know that you’re there. And for those reading who are themselves vulnerable, remember that there is always a place to reach out to.
