I have had a really heavy heart this past week. Seeing friends who are like family grieve a loved one has been hard on me. And I’ve taken the loss of Chester Bennington much harder than I feel I’m allowed to. Leaving me feeling guilty for being so sad about it. But the one thing I can’t stop thinking about is what I can do to help those who are still here who are struggling with addiction and/or depression.
I’ll be honest. Addiction and depression make me angry. For that matter, so does cancer. They are all diseases that take our loved ones from us. But the “self-coping” associated with addiction and depression are so selfish. They only take into account the person with the disease and not any of the people who care about them. The people who want to help them. Instead of getting to the root of the problem, instead of seeking help and addressing the cause, they choose to leave; either by death or by substance.
In a discussion with fellow blogger Amie Bohannon, she made a good point: ” I think we need to be angry at suicide and talk about it being a wrong and selfish choice more. Maybe then people will see the ugly part of the aftermath instead of the pretty part where album sales skyrocket and everyone talks about what an amazing person they were when they were alive. What does any of that matter when a person is dead and children are fatherless?
It doesn’t.”
So, let’s talk about it being wrong. About it being selfish. Let us speak up and, instead of shaming them, let the people who are important to us know how much we love them. That no matter what they are going through, they are loved. That we are here for them. That there is help. That there are resources. That the feelings always pass. That the feelings are temporary.
And, let’s stay vigilant. We need to know what to look for. Do you know the warning signs? Most people who have suicidal thoughts don’t actually want to die. So read on and know what to look for (below list pulled from halfofus.com).
- Hopelessness
- Rage, uncontrolled anger, or seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Feeling trapped or like there’s no way out
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
- Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Dramatic mood changes
- Expressing no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life
- Prior suicide attempts
If you ever have reason to believe someone you care about is suicidal, call 9-1-1. Depression is a life threatening emergency and should be treated as such. So, know the signs. Be willing to step in. And don’t be afraid to say “I’m here for you.”
If you’re feeling lost and hopeless. If you need someone to talk to. If you’re struggling and don’t know what to do, below are a list of resources. You’re also more than welcome to reach out to me on Instagram , Facebook or via email if you need to talk.
- Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center
- Half of Us
- American Addiction Centers Hotline: 877-495-2113
Though I have a heavy heart today, I am determined to help those struggling tomorrow.
The Pink Hat Hiker 
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