I Didn’t See It Coming

September is Suicide Prevention month so I am focusing on that topic for a few weeks. I originally wrote this post back in 2018 not long after I lost a dear friend. I’m bringing it back now because I feel led to share it. It originally appeared on a previous blog I had. That blog no longer exists.

 

 

All week I’ve been avoiding writing this post.

All week I’ve felt it rolling around in me.

So, here goes.

It’s Suicide Prevention week. The time we set aside to raise awareness and encourage people not to leave.

It’s a subject that has always been near to me. Not because I’ve ever been tempted but because it’s a subject the Lord has given me a heart for.

This year is especially hard —

On June 29, 2015 I lost the best friend I ever had.

He died of a self-inflicted gun shot wound.

Suicide.

I never saw the signs.

I knew he had been sick. I remember him telling me he was tired and discouraged but I never once thought he of all people would make this choice.

That’s the thing about suicide – you don’t always see it coming.

That’s why it is so important to pay attention when people seem depressed or say they are tired. I don’t mean the “I’ve been playing ball, or just finished work” tired. I mean the tired that comes with living life.

We’ve all felt that kind of tired but for some people it runs so much deeper.

It runs all the way to their foundation and chips away at their hope. It drowns them in sadness and keeps them from living.

If someone tells you they are tired, ask questions. Listen to what they say. Hug them.

DON’T tell them to “lighten up” or “let it go”.

That’s like telling a man with serious chest pains to shake it off or walk it off – impossible and ridiculous. If they could, they already would have.

Instead, take it serious. Be there for them. Listen to what they have to say and help them feel heard.

Pray for them.

Help them find the resources they need.

There are counselors out there who can help.

There are online resources for both those in danger and the ones who love them.

 

Go here: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

 

Call or text 988. Volunteers are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are waiting to hear from you. Available in English or Spanish.

They also have a website where you can chat. The website also has resources for deaf/hard of hearing people.

Their website is 988 Lifeline

 

Military members and veterans can speak with someone who understands their unique struggles. You can find out more or chat with someone by visiting their website, called, Veterans Crisis Line or by calling 988 and pressing the number 1. This resource is open to all branches of the military, including Coast Guard and Space Force.

 

You can also text 741741 or visit the Crisis Textline anytime day or night by clicking here…. Crisis Textline .

 

The Trevor Project provides text, chat, and phone call support to those who identify as LGBTQ+. They can be found here – The Trevor Project They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

It’s so hard to love someone who is struggling.

I hope you will reach out to them and be there for them.

I hope you will share these resources with them and that they will be brave enough to reach out and use them.

I’m praying for them – and for you.

Peace,

Karen