By Ahndrea Blue
President/CEO, Making A Difference Foundation
I need to remind you all that, while it may seem like it at times, you are never alone!
Whether you are without family or friends, or surrounded by them, you may feel like you have no one and only challenges face you. But you are not alone.
The holiday season is often a time that brings out the loneliness and hopelessness that so many people feel. And as we fast approach Christmas and the new year, it’s important to remember that there is help if you or a loved one is struggling and contemplating suicide.
Suicide is a permanent fix to temporary challenges. Miracles happen every day and we never know when they will show up in our lives to change our circumstances for the better and heal our broken hearts and minds.
It’s also important to remember that there are gifts within you that you and only you can bring to the world and the world deserves those gifts. Each and every person has value and a purpose. Don’t let suicide rob you and the world of your meaning and what you have to offer.
The entertainment industry and fans are still in shock over the recent news of DJ Stephen “tWitch” Boss’s death. Successful, talented, seemingly happy people aren’t immune and just goes to remind us that many people are fighting internal battles that we oftentimes know nothing about. It isn’t always the ones with visible depression or other mental challenges that face this demon. It can be the very people you least suspect. We, too, at Making A Difference Foundation have recently been touched by two suicides within our community.
If you are someone who is fighting depression and considering suicide, please know there are resources out there to help you. Speak to a trusted professional for a listening ear and medication that could help. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has created a new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (although the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number for the Lifeline will continue to function indefinitely). The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
If you need to, call 911 in life-threatening situations. For veterans, the Veterans Crisis Line connects Service members and Veterans in crisis, as well as their family members and friends, with qualified Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text messaging service. Dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone or send a text message to 838255 to connect with a VA responder. You can also start a confidential online chat session at Veterans Crisis Chat.
If you’re worried about a friend or family member, what are some ways you can help?
- You too can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to talk to a caring professional.
- Ask your loved one if they are thinking about killing themselves. This will not put the idea into their head or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide.
- Listen without judging and show you care.
- Stay with the person or make sure the person is in a private, secure place with another caring person until you can get further help.
- Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
- If you are worried about a friend’s social media updates, you can contact safety teams at the social media company. They will reach out to connect the person with the help they need.
Immediate warning signs of suicide (as taken from the National Institute of Mental Health) include:
- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
- Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
- Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Giving away important possessions
- Saying goodbye to friends and family
- Putting affairs in order, such as making a will
- Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
- Talking or thinking about death often
Other serious warning signs that someone may be at risk for attempting suicide include:
- Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
- Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling great guilt or shame
- Using alcohol or drugs more often
- Acting anxious or agitated
- Changing eating or sleeping habits
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Always remember that we care about you and are here to listen and help.
