Did you just say suicide? Omg!

Suicide is a touchy subject. Why? Why is there so much stigma around the word and meaning of suicide?

 The other day I was surfing through videos on Facebook and stumbled upon a video of a tragic story. This story was of a 13 or 14 year old little girl whom had committed suicide after watching a show of "13 Reasons Why". Now I am deeply saddened about this young girls life being cut short. What I am confused about is that people in general are blaming a show for the death of this young girl. This young girl really didn't do it because of the show and the show didn't do this to her. Please let me explain.

If a teenager or an adult believe that suicide is the only option out then someone wasn't doing their job. No we can't watch someone 24/7 but we as humans can see signs and changes in others behaviors. Especially our children, if we pay attention.

Signs for concern for a suicidal person (either a teen or adult);

• Loss of interest in things they use to be interested in (hobbies, communication, activities)
• Seeking isolation rather than company (this one is more of a profound act that means they stop trying to communicate and may hide from anyone and anything)
• When a person is being bullied at school, online or at work, they may say something or just start having self doubt about everything they do.
• They start to give away possessions and saying good-bye
• They may even start writing in a journal about how they are feeling or what they are thinking.
• They may get angry at you, just to keep you away from them.
• Social media outlets that share photos and quotes sometimes can show others how this person feels.
• Self harm, hurting others (emotionally and physically)

These are just a few more possible tell signs for a person viewing the option of suicide. I want to suggest to any parent please do everything you can to talk to your children. Let them know if they don't feel comfortable with talking with you. That you would be more than willing to find someone who they can talk to. Its about trust, children should feel safe to say how they feel without judgment and this goes for adults too.

Many people just need a hand to hold and a ear to listen while they express their troubles and emotions. Others may not want to say it out loud but knowing that other person is there for them makes them feel better. Therapy may not seem like it helps but it really does with a routine. For some a mental health evaluation is a great asset for someones mental health. Medication along with the routine can also assist just speak with a skilled professional.

Parents are not the the only ones making suicide an issue. In the medical field they treat a suicidal patient as an outcast. WE MUST STOP THIS! If a patient told a doctor that they felt like they wanted to commit suicide ask them one major question, "Do you have a plan?" If this patient says "yes, I have it planned out in my head of how I want to kill myself" that's when you take immediate action getting them help is key. Not scaring them by saying they are "nuts, psychotic or psycho", this hurts the person more and will make them feel they shouldn't be around anymore. Showing this person kindness and options is what has to happen.

Being Suicidal and attempting suicide are 2 very different things.

Being suicidal; Thinking they are a waste of space or don't belong on this earth and or thinks about suicide and how it would affect others (yes they do think about how it would make others feel or if they will be missed) they will take a very long time to start planning their suicide. This still needs our full attention!

Attempting suicide; Someone who has a plan and has or will put the pieces into place after careful thought and try to commit suicide. A failed suicide is emotionally heartwenching on this person because they wanted to die and didn't complete their mission. We can not let it get this far!

Things to help someone whom may be suicidal or has already attempted suicide;

• Be there for them
• Be a good friend and ask them if everything is okay (some say they are fine but if you stick around long enough they just might open up)
• Ask them if there is anything that you can help them with as a friend.
• Know the signs(list above)
• When someone is at their breaking point they may show these signs and they just might try very hard to push you away so they "wont hurt you".
• When a suicidal person is planning on attempting suicide, express to them their worth. Give them a reason to live.

Numb

Everyone is different, everyone has pain even if that pain is not the same.

Emotions run high and sometimes a person just want to slide by without being noticed.

Keep in mind when that person wants to die their mind becomes "clear" but its all out of fear.

No one can judge you for how you feel, but if you feel lonely get someone near.

Don't be afraid to cry those tears, their is a life to unfold just have to open your eyes and see

You have got to learn to believe it, not just see.

Your heart and mind will feel overwhelmed but know that your not alone.

Christina Tillery ©

The problem is real and our friends, family and children do cry out for help but you just have to try to watch for the signs and talk to one another. Life is already short enough lets make a loving and wonderful experience as we are on this earth.

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*I am not a paid advocate of Suicide Prevention, I am a mother and concerned citizen.*