LIFE | LOVE | LOSS
TOMMORROW NEEDS YOU
SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH & WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY SEPT 10th
“Suicide does not end the chances of life getting worse, suicide eliminates the possibility of it ever getting better.”
- Kat Calhoun
This month is dedicated to Suicide Prevention Awareness. On September 10th it is WORLD suicide prevention awareness day. It used to be we all knew someone who had or was fighting cancer. Now its difficult to find someone whose life has not been touched by suicide in some way. That hurts my heart that we even have a month or day dedicated to this heavy topic.
Suicide is still one of the leading causes of death for youth and veterans. It affects the young, the old, the middle aged. It does not seem to care about your gender, political views, age or how many commas are in your bank account. We have all seen many affluent ‘celebrity’ types who appeared to have it all die this way. We may know those who have struggled with addiction, depression, other mental health challenges also die by suicide.
I lost my fifteen-year-old son Joey five years ago on World Suicide Awareness Day, September 10, 2017. Suicide was only in my peripheral view when he walked out the door on a Sunday night with his long board and adventure backpack with a “love you bye” never to return. Suicide landed HARD front and center in my life that night.
I have since learned more about suicide than I ever wanted too. I have attended numerous Talk Saves Lives and QPR – Question / Persuade / Refer classes. I have sat with those struggling with suicidal thoughts and actions. I have hugged and cried with those who have lost loved ones in this most painful way. Suicide is now something attached to my beautiful boy and his life story.
With all I have learned and expanded my awareness I still cringe a little on the inside at the word ‘prevent’. As a passionate fierce momma who would have gone to the gates of hell for my boy, fought whatever needed fought for him to stay I shudder to think there was something I could have done that I didn’t to prevent him from dying by suicide.
Joey didn’t show signs like others can. If he was depressed, he didn’t share this with us. He got good grades, was healthy, well liked with great friends. He had a wonderful family support system, was told he was loved daily and every time he left the house.
There was no obstacle or pain in his life that I knew of that needed addressed let alone any that would lead to not wanting to be here tomorrow, yet he is still gone. I didn’t understand his loss five years ago. I don’t any more today.
Do I believe suicide can be prevented, YES!
Does education, awareness and being able to openly talk about mental and emotional troubles matter? YES!
Can we all learn and speak in ways that are supportive and empowering to those who are here, struggling with their own life troubles or with the grief in losing a loved one to suicide? YES!
We now have a new three-digit mental health line 988.
This is an amazing way to easily get help for yourself or others at time of crisis. I have had many ask me about resources or what to do. I didn’t know when I was first asked. So, I learned so I could share. I write this newsletter and share J-day Kindness messages each month in Joey’s name. I do not think I yet fully understand my son’s call to arms for me to raise my voice, share my mind, heart, and soul to help impact this important and deadly topic. My hope is to honor his life and my deep love for him well.
What will you do to make a difference for good this month?
All my best,
Genna
RESOURCES
Crisis Hotlines: Common Hotline Phone Numbers | Eluna Network
Mental Health App’s
Talkspace – Best Overall Therapy App
Calm – Best Mindfulness App
My3 – Three People / Three Distractions / Safety Plan App
Chopra App – Great mindfulness and free meditations
Pride Counseling – Best Queer Mental Health App
Youper – Best Self-Guided Therapy App
Headspace – Best Anxiety App
The Next Adventure 