Hello everyone!
On the 10th of September was the World Suicide Prevention Day (and it’s currently National Suicide Prevention week) and as we all know the entire month of September is dedicated to those who are struggling and of course to raise awareness on this very important cause. I know this can be a very touchy subject to talk about, especially for those who have actually gone through it and survived it. I just felt that this is something I need to write about, because it lies close to my heart and I want others to be aware of the importance of preventing suicide.
Talking about suicide has always been one of those things that nobody wants to talk about, because they would rather just throw some shade onto it. But why? Is it because you feel ashamed that someone close to you has tried to end his/her life, because you see it as a cowardly action? As Judy Collins said: ”I think suicide is sort of like cancer was 50 years ago. People don’t want to talk about it, they don’t want to know about it. People are frightened of it, and they don’t understand, when actually these issues are treatable.”
I can genuinely talk about this matter from my heart, because I myself have also almost lost a family member that is so close to me and who I love dearly. Countless times I have heard of people whom I’m friends with or just know really well who has also tried to end their life or who actually did… And yes, let me tell you, it is an awful and heartbreaking feeling when someone looks you in the eyes with tears and says, “I don’t want to live anymore.”
There is sooooo many of us that has gone through this, whether it is someone close to you or it is you, we need to start being more aware of this matter. Suicide is everywhere and sometimes you have no clue when a stranger sitting next to you or a dear friend of yours starts to have suicidal thoughts. And the sad thing is, it just gets worse by the day.
I feel that September shouldn’t be the only time we raise awareness and put our attention on it. We should be paying attention to this every single day, just like October being the month for Breast Cancer Awareness, we should be raising awareness every day.
I understand that it is easier said than done, but like Judy said, it is treatable. Do you know where you can start first with helping to treat this matter?
You. You can start by improving yourself first.
Be humble and kind to others. Ask people how are they doing, show interest in them. Show them that you care and that they are not alone in this world. Be affectionate towards your loved ones and tell them how much you love them and why they are so amazing! Be supportive of your friends and make sure they know you are there for them. Smile at a stranger or just simply ask them how are they or even give them a compliment.
You have no clue what’s going on in someone’s head and heart, but a simple word or action of love and kindness could save someone’s life. If all of us just start spreading more love and support, we can prevent this.
I know that there are many, many different reasons why people want to commit suicide. Reasons like alcohol and drug abuse, losing a loved one, financial problems, or just feeling like your a failure. Like I mentioned before, talking about and dealing with suicide is difficult, especially for the person actually going through it, but it shouldn’t be difficult for them to ask for help. But, unfortunately some link commiting suicide with being a coward and a disgrace. And this breaks my heart, because I believe that’s one of the top reasons why people don’t talk about suicide.
So there are many ways everyone of us can help with the prevention of suicide, but I truly believe the first step to prevention is starting with yourself. Be a kinder and humble person, help one another and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be supportive, because at the end of the day we are all going through tough times and we really only have each other. By doing this there will already be a huge, HUGE difference.
Thank you guys for taking some time to read this —
And for all of you who have wanted to leave this world, but decided to stay, be proud of yourself, because I am proud of you. You are a survivor. You are awesome. You are amazing. YOU ARE A WARRIOR. ♥
Here are links to a few awesome organizations that will help you out: ♥
– Blissful Boho
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(pictures are from Google Images)
