Suicide Awareness Day
Suicide:
It is a topic that is uncomfortable to talk about, but needs to be a discussion.
It is a topic that has been stepping out of the dark more and more lately.
Mental health awareness is something that is near and dear to my heart. All of the stigmas that are present in the world when it comes to this topic, are absolutely baffling to me. When someone is struggling/suffering from a mental illness, it is very easy for this person to hide it in fear of how it will be received by others. Opening up about something in general is difficult enough, but then fearing how people will perceive you on top of that, is terrifying.
I follow an organization called To Write Love on Her Arms. This organization launched products to help spread awareness and knowledge on topics that can be difficult to talk about. There are MANY organizations out there, but this one is an organization that I have been following for years. TWLOHA (To Write Love on Her Arms) is a non-profit movement that has been providing help for people that might be struggling with addiction, depression, self-injury, and suicide. The founder, Jamie Tworkowski, wanted to help a friend. His friend was struggling with all listed above, and was able to enter a treatment center. Jaime sold t-shirts to help cover the costs of treatment. That is the brief version...but powerful still. You can view the story here: To Write Love on Her Arms: Full Story.
While I think that everyday should be an opportunity for you to discuss your thoughts/feelings about what's going on inside of your head, sometimes it's just not that easy. The phrase "easier said than done", comes to mind. Opening up is scary.. It leaves you open and vulnerable, which is terrifying. Putting on that 'brave face' or the 'smile to get through the day' is sometimes the only way in which you feel you can survive. I know, I've been there. The important thing is to find that 'safe space' with someone/within someone, and let your thoughts and feelings out. If you feel as if you don't have anyone like that within your life, there are phone numbers and people that you can reach out to:
It is a topic that is uncomfortable to talk about, but needs to be a discussion.
It is a topic that has been stepping out of the dark more and more lately.
Mental health awareness is something that is near and dear to my heart. All of the stigmas that are present in the world when it comes to this topic, are absolutely baffling to me. When someone is struggling/suffering from a mental illness, it is very easy for this person to hide it in fear of how it will be received by others. Opening up about something in general is difficult enough, but then fearing how people will perceive you on top of that, is terrifying.
I follow an organization called To Write Love on Her Arms. This organization launched products to help spread awareness and knowledge on topics that can be difficult to talk about. There are MANY organizations out there, but this one is an organization that I have been following for years. TWLOHA (To Write Love on Her Arms) is a non-profit movement that has been providing help for people that might be struggling with addiction, depression, self-injury, and suicide. The founder, Jamie Tworkowski, wanted to help a friend. His friend was struggling with all listed above, and was able to enter a treatment center. Jaime sold t-shirts to help cover the costs of treatment. That is the brief version...but powerful still. You can view the story here: To Write Love on Her Arms: Full Story.
While I think that everyday should be an opportunity for you to discuss your thoughts/feelings about what's going on inside of your head, sometimes it's just not that easy. The phrase "easier said than done", comes to mind. Opening up is scary.. It leaves you open and vulnerable, which is terrifying. Putting on that 'brave face' or the 'smile to get through the day' is sometimes the only way in which you feel you can survive. I know, I've been there. The important thing is to find that 'safe space' with someone/within someone, and let your thoughts and feelings out. If you feel as if you don't have anyone like that within your life, there are phone numbers and people that you can reach out to:
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: 888-333-2377
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
- Local Police: 9-1-1
Warning signs can vary in someone that is dealing with a mental illness, or thoughts or suicidal tendencies. Some of the warning signs to watch for might be:
- They might be talking about:
- Unbearable pain
- Feeling Trapped
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Having No Reason to Live
- Being a Burden to/on Others
- Behavior
- Withdrawal from activities/persons
- Reckless
- Visiting/Calling/Texting to say goodbye
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Self Isolation
- Agression
- Giving away possessions
- Mood
- Depression
- Anger
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Lack Of Interest
- Humiliation
What can you do? You let them know that they're not alone. You reach out. You show support. You offer to help them, receive help. Sometimes asking the hard questions, to start the conversation, is enough to help.
- "Are you thinking of hurting yourself?"
- "Are you thinking of taking your own life?"
- "Why do you think you feel this way?"
A conversation is more powerful than you think...Especially to someone whom might think/feel as if no one cares about them... They're not likely to reach out to anyone for help, so it's important that if someone in your life is showing any signs, that YOU REACH OUT TO THEM! Someone whom is depressed, or having suicidal thoughts, is not going to reach out to you. They likely/could feel as if they are a burden to others, and are not going to want to 'weigh you down with their problems'.
Be present. Reach out to those you care about, and remind them that they matter. You need them. Tomorrow Needs You. <3
Please feel free to share this graphic/post on social media. Let's create the conversation, together.
Social Media Links
#tomorrowneedsyou #towriteloveonherarms #twloha #suicideawarenessday #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #suicide
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