To the editor:
September is Suicide Prevention Month and it’s important that we are there for each other and take steps to prevent suicide.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s theme for the month is to #KeepGoing, by taking simple actions to safeguard our mental health and save lives. From learning the warning signs for suicide and what to do if you are worried someone is struggling, to bringing education programs to your community, we can all learn new ways to help each other save lives.
One action I’m taking is to urge my public officials to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health. When someone is in acute crisis, it’s hard for them to think clearly, and even reaching out for help can be a struggle. For this reason, it is vital that Congress pass the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (H.R.4194/S.2661) to make a three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline a reality. This legislation will provide the funding and resources needed by crisis centers across the country that support those struggling with their mental health and thoughts of suicide.
Sept. 2, 2019, I became a suicide loss survivor. My soulmate and the love of my life took his own life in the basement of our home. I left for 30 minutes and that was all it took for my whole world to be turned upside down. My life has forever changed. Memories of that day and finding him will forever haunt me in the shadows of my own mental struggles.
I never saw the signs of his depression prior to losing him. It was until after the grief, shock and heartache started that I realized the signs of serious depression and anxiety were there, and I overlooked them because mental health isn’t something you hear most people talk about openly.
I miss Ryan every single day. I honor his memory by telling his story and my story to help fight bring an end to the stigma that surrounds mental health and suicide.
No one ever expects it will happen to them. I used to be the same way until the day I realized that we have to expect the unexpected and we have to learn to see the signs. We have to understand SUICIDE is real, and it’s OKAY to not be okay!
Knowing when to reach out for help and knowing when someone needs you to be their voice just might help save a life!
In this time of uncertainty, we all need to find new ways to connect and support each other.
Together, we #KeepGoing.
Sincerely,
Tracy Woodall, Parker Road
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