I unfortunately have seen depression strike a close family friend; she lost her brother to suicide and my thoughts and prayers remain with her and those left behind.
Depression is a complex feeling; it can overwhelm and envelope more than the most communicable of diseases. When one is in the throes of depression, they often are too entangled in an advanced stage to either find their own way out or recognize who to reach out to for the help so desperately needed.
There are countless homes and countless lives enduring overwhelming obstacles. Some of those are made from their own hands; some from outside forces. Loss of jobs, loss of family and loss of one's own sense of self worth can combine to create a despair that few can overcome alone.
Which is why it is incumbent upon us to look out after ourselves first, our loved ones second, and then our fellow man. Idle hands and silent voices will do nothing to stem the tide of senseless losses of life. Do we need to see another report someone feeling it is better to end their life, and needlessly take others, than to heal and live it?
A teenager feels at wit's end and goes on a killing spree in an innocent school. A father takes his wife and child to an early grave with him. A young man feels so lost and alone that he does not want to see another day. Time and time again these scenes play out locally and across the country.
I implore anyone who reads this to take the time and learn what the signs are to see that a person needs help. I plead with anyone who is feeling so lost they are considering a drastic measure to call 1(800)273-TALK (8255).
And, if you are like me with themarks of suicide permanently touching your life; then please look into the American Federation for Suicide Prevention.
There is a wealth of assistance here;
http://www.afsp.org/
Lastly, I am helping honor the young man's memory as well as that of my grandfather. I was the last to speak with him before he took his own life. I also, in a young age, felt at wit's end and attempted to take my own life. I was blessed and guided by the hand of God to survive and am honor bound to pay that gift forward. In any way you can, please help me do so here;
http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=435300
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
