Feelings are always temporary. We float from one feeling to the next on a daily basis and are always evolving as individuals. One week you might love spaghetti and the next hate it, just as an example. The same can be said about people in our lives and this can be related to almost all situations. Sometimes bad feelings or situations can feel like their endless. This IS NOT TRUE. Things can always change just like your feelings. Nothing is final except death.
I would like to bring awareness to a small but effective list of things you can do if you find yourself in a situation where someone is saying they are ‘thinking of’ or ‘wanting to end their life’. I had no idea Dameon felt the way he did. He was never anxious or depressed. NEVER. I’m positive though, that he shared prior to his decision that he was reaching his limit and people probably didn’t know what to do or say. Especially because this was so out of character for him. I think a list of Do’s and Don’ts is necessary. If you are either in a relationship with someone or are friends with someone threatening to take their life please remember these things…
DO’S:
1. ALERT SOMEONE. Call their parents (if they have a good relationship), call a sibling, cousin, friend, call a therapist, make them an appt, drive them to the ER. Get HELP! This is the most important step – if you do nothing else, make sure this person either seeks help or that you have alerted someone who can help them.
2. KEEP THEM TALKING. Tell them your worried and don’t want them to die. Tell them they are loved. Tell them how terrible the world will be without THEM.
3. LOOK UP RESOURCES that can help them. Remember the hotline number (988)
4. TELL SOMEONE!!!
5. ACT ON YOUR INSTINCTS!! If your even slightly worried, take action.
Don’ts:
1. DON’T SAY I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL.
Because no the hell you don’t. Everyone’s feelings are specific to them and it’s NOT helpful.
2. DON’T BE MEAN OR IRRITATED.
Feelings are complex and you never know what someone is truly capable of.
3. DON’T KEEP IT A SECRET!!
4. DON’T IGNORE THE SIGNS.
People don’t always ask for help… But especially if they are, help them find it or refer them to someone who can.
Death is so final. I never imagined my life like this. You matter so much.