Facing Suicide: Depression 2022

Happy Tuesday Everyone. My heart has been so heavy lately. There has been a rash of young adults committing suicide. In Chicago, an Illinois State Trooper killed his wife and then took his life. With everything going on in the news and social media, there was virtually no mention of these alarming numbers. I've lost many classmates to suicide, and I've always lamented over their deaths. For those who have lost loved ones, I can only imagine the range of emotions that you go through. I watched an interview between Tamron Hall and Ginger Zee. They reminisced about working in Chicago. However, Ginger revealed how she's attempted suicide twice. It took her a while to get the proper help she needed. Ginger masked her depression with smiles and faked energy. That struck a chord with me and the audience. Sometimes, it's hard for people to focus their energy internally to be in the present moment. However, suicide prevention focuses on connecting with others. Watching human behavior and recognizing changes in them is key to recovery. 

Crisis Resources

• If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
• If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
• If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.

Many organizations have listed resources online for symptom recognition. Therapists can assist with exploring the root causes for individuals who are not coping well with life or have expressed the desire to harm themselves. The key ingredient is you. Are you checking on family and friends? Is there someone who has been on your mind? Have you noticed subtle/drastic changes in those around you? Does your workplace have programs in place? Your school? Your church? Do you belong to a support circle or an accountability group? You can't save the world, but you can give someone the hope and strength to keep going. People can move forward and get through the situations that they think they can't overcome. As we prepare for our winter weather workweek, let's also incorporate mental health awareness into our schedules. It is shocking how thin the line is between the two. While we are in quarantine, let's strive to improve the quality of our lives and the lives around us. Be a safe place. Don't force people to put on a brave face around you. We should strive to help improve those lives around us.  Let's continue to press towards the mark of the high calling and live our best life. The purple life. Please share your comments below. Thank  you for reading this article and supporting this blogspace. Stay safe, warm, masked and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!