Every day is Suicide Awareness for me, suicide happens every day leaving friends and family to pick up the pieces. My father committed suicide in 1992 at 52 years old. The first time I attempted suicide was nine years old and the last time I was suicidal was last month.
You often hear it said that the person looked fine before committing suicide. We’ve listened to those words many times this year and lost several celebrities that shocked the community. Rich or poor, anyone can be affected by suicide.
You have to look for small changes, not big ones.
How is their appearance?
Are they wearing dirty clothes?
Not returning your call or answering the door.
Do they appear tired from not sleeping?
Are they completing tasks they have put off in the past?
If they avoid eye contact ask them what you can do to help?
Here’s an example of completing the task before committing suicide.
My father’s roommate found his gun, then returned everything he borrowed from my dad, mowed the yard, and by the time the Police arrived at his door hours later, the gun fired. The same story from my dad, he had no idea that his roommate was suicidal. This was the first time I had to clean up after someone killed themselves. It was so sad that his life fit in three bags of clothes and four pennies. That image will never leave.
Let’s Look At The Numbers.
If you or someone you know is suicidal please contact:
- Call or text 988
- Chat at 988lifeline.org
Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.
CDC developed the Suicide Prevention Resource for Action (Prevention Resource), which provides information on the best available evidence for suicide prevention.
Over 48,000 Americans died by suicide in 2021 according to the CDC. It’s difficult to get my head around that one suicide happens every 11 minutes. These numbers are before the Pandemic, and I believe the number is much higher.
I will say that guilt goes with the grieving. Grieving is different for everyone and there is no time frame, when your heart starts to heal you are close to the light.
Melinda
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html
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lookingforthelight.blog 
Yeah, well said. I especially agree with the point on how the victim appeared fine to others before committing suicide.
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Sadly it’s true. I’m glad you found something vauable to help. :)
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The staggering statistics on suicide underline the urgent need for widespread awareness and action. And as you rightly pointed out, the grieving process is unique to each individual, with guilt often accompanying the sorrow.
The pain and trauma associated with suicide are immeasurable, and your heartfelt comment sheds light on this dark topic that many often overlook or misunderstand. Thanks for sharing.
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Suicide is difficult to understand, you don’t know if something happened or they were mentally ill or another illness. Thank you for the kind words. Have a great day! :)
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You are a very strong person
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I learned at a very young age to work hard. I could to not let anyone in due to trauma. Thanks for your kind words. I always enjoy hearing from you. :)
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You are most welcome
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I am so sorry to hear about your dad 🥺 Suicide certainly needs more attention. It’s an extremely sensitive topic for people to talk about because alot of people that begin to reach out and tell someone they are having suicidal thoughts, they get slumped off. The other person thinks they are just saying that to “Get attention.” It’s sooo sad. I see and hear it all the time. Not enough people take it serious now a days. But then when they are staring down at their casket, it’s much too late and they regret not doing something sooner. People need to stop thinking people who are suicidal are just trying to “Get attention,” and Act on the person’s cry’s for help.
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We had a closed casket, so no goodbyes. My father and I were estranged since I was a teen. It’s a traumatic memory but I rarely think about him and the memories rarely come up. I’ve worked thru my child abuse, emotional distress. They aren’t triggers, just a sad story. It broke my granny’s heart and she was never the same. :)
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Oh ok. That’s good to hear this is just a distant memory and rarely affects you.
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