Missed kisses.
Missed words.
Missed kindness.
Missed life.
The picture was still vivid which seemed like it just happened yesterday. Blood from a slashed wrist as a result of attempted suicide by a family member. In between sobs and painful words, she expressed her desires to end her suffering. Yet, I could not understand. I don’t think I ever did or I ever will. And there the problem lies, the lack of understanding.
Suicide is a very sensitive topic that no one wants to discuss, but it is a prevalent problem that needs to be addressed. A recent study shows that over the last 30 years the suicide rate in young people has more than tripled.
What drives a person to end his/ her life? It is easy to make judgment that the problem that precipitates it is probably so mundane. However, I always believe that people who were driven to end their lives were lost in the abyss of confusion, pain and anger in an unfathomable depth.
It is REALLY a sad situation.
A person might have everything including success, fame and wealth- Kate Spade, Robin Williams, Anthony Bourdain, to name the few- but nobody is spared from the sad reality of suicide.
According to the WorldHealth Organization (WHO), an approximate of one million people die from suicide, which represents global mortality rate of 16 people per 100, 000 or one death every 40 seconds. It is predicted that by 2020 the rate of death will increase to one every 20 seconds.
That ‘family member’ who tried to end her life several times surpassed that period of struggles in her life. She got a degree and faced the demons that plagued her for so long but I am still at a loss of completely understanding the battles she fought.
Although the truth remains that 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a mental illness at the time of their death, we can still make a difference by being a sincere listener, offering a gesture of humanity, and giving a gentle smile. We don’t know what each person is going through and a small act of kindness might save a life.
Farewell to the beautiful souls who perished during the times when their hearts were clouded with sadness and despair.
If you or a person you know is thinking about suicide, here's a number you can call:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255
Available 24 hours everyday
This situation can happen to anyone, so it is good to have a strong support system, like family, friends, and believing in yourself.
ReplyDeleteReally well written and toughtful post. This is something that more people need to talk about and let others know that they are around for them.
ReplyDeleteThis is really sad. I can't believe that people become a statistic at the end. This is just very unfortunate. Thanks for sharing this. It is very important.
ReplyDeleteThe rate for young people is really alarming!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that your family had to go through that and it's really sad that in 2018 persons do not know how to treat this as more than surface stuff.
ReplyDeleteThis is really sad. This shows that we live among a sensitive society and we should not judge others. If you don’t have something nice to say then don’t talk. We never know what a person is going throu
ReplyDeleteIt is very sad to know, great post with a strong research behind it. Yes, I agree with you, it is very important to have a support in life from your family and friends.
ReplyDeleteIt is really very sad. Family support is must at this situation because a person who want to commit suicide needs mental support to fight with this weak time of his/her life.
ReplyDeleteMental health is a taboo subject, people should be more open and understanding about it. Suicide is really sad.
ReplyDeleteSuicide is such a sad issue. I really feel disheartened hearing about it
ReplyDeleteSuicide and mental health overall is still now spoken of openly. It is very important to get the message out that this is a real problem.
ReplyDeleteMental trauma play havoc with emotions. Sometimes even the bravest ones get sink in despair and attempt suicide.
ReplyDeleteSuicide comes from depression and frustration. People need to know what it really is, thanks for the timely information.
ReplyDeleteSuicide indeed is a very touchy topic. I would not want to talk much about this topic except that I have two friends whose family members committed suicide. So sad.
ReplyDeleteThank you for opening up this hard discussion! It is such a hard thing to talk about. Happiness can’t be found on this earth and no amount money or fame will fill the holes many people experience. I so wish they could talk to someone before it was too late.
ReplyDeleteThis is a serious issue and if we know persons who are depressed, we should talk to them more often. They might need our help. Thanks for bringing this out.
ReplyDeleteWhatever it is, please don't do suicide. All problems are always there with solutions...
ReplyDeleteStress and depression contribute to suicides. It is good that you are bringing more awareness to this serious problem.
ReplyDeleteTrue indeed. I try to use my words kindly now, because they can come off pretty harsh sometimes. I have not been that low to suicide, but I have been deeply depressed, so I can see the clouded judgement to end it all.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post about suicide. Awareness about the issue is very important and is the first step. Thank you!
ReplyDelete