Wordless Wednesday - Loaded Down

Desperation

Yesterday my husband and I attended the funeral of a very important person in our lives.  This person was a friend and a trusted mentor.  He died much too young and we were shocked when we heard the news.

What made the realization of his passing even more shocking was learning that he had not died from a sudden medical condition as we originally thought, but had taken his own life.  This person seemingly had it all; a highly successful career, a great family, lots of friends, etc. One would have never guessed the torment he was suffering internally to have done what he did.

The first thing that you think of when somebody passes away is the last time that you saw or spoke with that person.  Then, you wonder what you should have done differently.  It's especially difficult when someone commits suicide because you feel that you somehow could have/should have made a difference.

It's difficult when we are going through our day to day routine to remember that each and every person that we deal with has their own struggles.  Imagine if we could train ourselves to be more sensitive to the still small voice of God when He wants to use us to bless, encourage or uplift another.  I urge you and myself to be as sensitive as possible to everyone who crosses your path.  You never know when a kind word can make the difference between life and death.

If you know of somebody who suffers from depression please be aware of the following:

Warning Signs of Suicide

• Ideation (thinking, talking or wishing about suicide)
• Substance use or abuse (increased use or change in substance)
• Puposelessness (no sense of purpose or belonging)
• Anger
• Trapped (feeling like there is no way out)
• Hopelessness (there is nothing to live for, no hope or optimism)
• Withdrawal (from family, friends, work, school, activities, hobbies)
• Anxiety (restlessness, irritability, agitation)
• Recklessness (high risk-taking behavior)
• Mood disturbance (dramatic changes in mood)

Additional Warning Signs of Suicide

• Talking about suicide.
• Looking for ways to die (internet searches for how to commit suicide, looking for guns, pills, etc.)
• Statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness.
• Preoccupation with death.
• Suddenly happier, calmer.
• Loss of interest in things one cares about.
• Visiting or calling people one cares about.
• Making arrangements; setting one's affairs in order.
• Giving things away, such as prized possessions.

A suicidal person urgently needs to see a doctor or mental health professional.

In an emergency, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK