By Mikaela Gantz
TW: Mentions of suicide
September is suicide prevention awareness month. I had initially planned
on including an article about this in the first publication, but I wanted to give it
intense time and care because it is such an important topic.
Suicide is something that is hard to talk about, but incredibly important
to at the same time. The first thing I want to say about it is that suicide is not
invitable. It is a preventable action. It can feel like it’s the only answer, the only
way out, the cure to devastating mental hardships, but I promise that it is not.
In the midst of deep mental and emotional distress, it can feel as though the
future is bleak and not worth living for, but that is not true. Suicide is not the
answer to your problems, it never is.
Unfortunately, many of us have firsthand experiences with suicide, in
one way or another. Personally, I find it extremely hard to talk about due to my
own history with the topic. However, forcing myself to talk about it in the right
places and situations has proven extremely beneficial for my mental health,
and has let others know they are not alone. I’m not saying that you have to talk
about these things, but I am saying the likelihood that someone in your life can
relate to your struggles is much higher than you may think.
If you notice that something is different with someone, they are withdrawn,
they are angry, they completely lack emotion, they are not eating, you should
check on them. It’s a hard task to care for someone who is not doing mentally
well, but it’s even harder to deal with their death. Remind the people you love
that they matter, that they have worth in your life, and that life genuinely does
get better than what they might be experiencing right now.
Lastly, if you are worried that you cannot do enough for that person, or if
you yourself are that person, please reach out for additional help. It never hurts
to reach out. Talk to professionals, religious leaders, your friends and family, and
call 988 (the national suicide hotline).
You are not alone. Life does actually get better. There is someone out there
who needs you to keep fighting, I promise.
