Our world, including the USA, has seen too many epidemics. Polio, flu's, Tuberculosis and Covid 19. But there is one the we DON'T hear enough about that is preventable unlike some of the others, Suicide. As in every life lost situation, it effects people around that person who kills themselves. But in this scenario it is in a negative way. Many times the family wants to deny the death happened as it did. Sometimes the family plans for a funeral is hidden from the public in shame. The CDC has reported suicide takes the lives of Americans 132 times EVERY DAY! That is a national epidemic. That is 48,180 Individuals each year.
Why do people take their life? It is very complicated. Some times it is caused by a divorce or separation, maybe a lose of a job, loneness, drugs, bullying, poverty, lose of self-esteem, lose of self-convince or worth, and so many other reasons. Thousands of people deal with suicidal tendencies daily. Maybe have tried to kill themselves several times, but have been stopped before it was too late and lost their courage to complete the job. As a firefighter, I have seen the result of a suicide failed attempt and success. It is sad either way.
I must admit, I have had a period in my life I considered suicide. But after really reaching down deep in my soul I realized it was not me, and I had so much more I had to offer to myself and others. Plus I also realized I did not have the courage to finish that horrible step.
I have had colleagues who have taken their lives and it crushed their families and friends. They ask, "Why?" Imagine finding that friend or relative after that person took their life. Imaging the mental trauma it leaves them in for so many years. And the stigma that surrounds that family or friends in the future. "Oh, your father is the one who killed himself." That just keeps on hurting deep down inside.
Teens who feel like they are not popular or 'cool' get bulled so much they feel they don't want to continue living anymore. They feel they don't have friends, or maybe they can not afford to dress cool or have a different look to them. Other teens tease them constantly to the breaking point of no return. Their parents don't recognize the symptoms and then come home to a tragedy. It literally tears a family apart and cause divorces and anger between parents and their surviving siblings.
What is used for a suicide? Number one is guns, drugs is number two. This is why we ALL must look for those suicidal tendencies of not eating, increased anger, keeping to themselves, quietness and not talking about their lives, especially personal things like boys, girls, friends and school. Parents need to secure their guns and stay more in tune to the behavior of your children. Mental illness can also be an issue. Yes, trust them but talk to them a lot. It is, maybe, a stage of life, but one that should be monitored closely with gentle hands.
But it is not just about teens and children, adults too. Some adults feel they have no self-worth too. The same symptoms carry over to adults too.
We all have to help with this epidemic, and we can with little or no education except to care about not losing lives.
Suicide can be a hard bone to chew on, along with everything else us humans have to deal with. The Federal government finally saw what is happening and sat-up a hotline for anyone to use fi they are thinking about it. 988 is the suicide hotline. Trained and caring people man this line 24/7. Use it! It works.
Take care and stay safe.
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