My heart is heavy as I have learned of a friend’s passing. I start to wonder if this is part of a new normal or if it is still the exception to the rule. Why does it always seem the nicest people, the funniest people, the most caring people are the ones who take their own lives? Why does the world seem so hopeless to them? Why is it that they feel they can’t go on? It isn’t the first time someone I know has done this but it seems to be hitting closer to home than in times past. It also seems to be happening around us more often than it used to happen. Why is this?
Statistically speaking, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. For every 1 successful suicide, 25 attempts have been made. Each year, 44,000 Americans die by suicide. In Florida alone, suicide is the 8th leading cause of death and ranks 29 among all the states in the U.S. On average, 1 person dies every 3 hours due to suicide in Florida. It is the 2nd leading cause of death among ages 25-34. That may not seem like a huge number in the grand scheme of things but the rate of suicides has increases in the past 10 years. What does this say about our society? Are we really that weak-minded and lost?
I’m obviously only speculating but I think society is partially at fault. We often hear about how we are raising a bunch of “whiny brats” or “entitled teens” or (pardon my french) “pussies”. We’ve grown into a nation of politically correct, you-hurt-my-feelings whiners. We no longer have tough skin. Gone is the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” In our society it is about racial divides, gossip, and the like. It is about cop killings, President Trump, and mass murders. Evidently it is also about suicides.
I believe that we need to toughen up as individuals, as a society, and as a nation. Life is unfair more often than it is fair. You don’t always get your way. It is not always about instant gratification. But, life goes on whether you like it or not. Whether you are there or not. By checking out, you may miss out on something better than what currently has you down and out.
In my opinion, there is NEVER a good excuse for suicide. There is ALWAYS something worth living for even if it is just to see the sun rise the next day. When you are in deep despair and hurt, you sometimes have to take baby steps. See the sun rise, have a decent breakfast, watch your favorite TV show or listen to your favorite song. Looking forward to these small things may help you overcome the pain hurdle and then you can start looking forward to bigger things such as the whole next day or the weekend.
Suicide is selfish. It doesn’t hurt the one who does it. It hurts all their family and friends who have lost someone so soon. It ends a life before it was meant to be ended. When God is ready for you, He will bring you home. We aren’t God. We shouldn’t be making god decisions without the answer from God and I can assure you that God’s answer is never suicide.
In summary, we need to toughen up. I know there is a LOT of bad happening in our world right now: wars, bullying, break-ups, political turmoil, financial turmoil, etc. However, none of it is worth ending your life over. All of the pain and heartache subsides as time goes on. Some of the hurt and pain will eventually heal completely. But it doesn’t for those who love you and have lost you. There is always someone who cares even if they aren’t in the forefront of your life. And if you really believe that you do not have anyone who cares, then know that I care and God cares.
Please don’t consider suicide as a way to make things better. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please seek help. Please talk to someone – ANYONE. It can be a friend, a stranger, a family member, the homeless person on the street corner, a coworker… ANYONE. If you feel you don’t have anyone, then please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Phone Number at 1-800-273-8255.
*I did not write this post to hurt anyone’s feelings or upset anyone. It is my way of dealing with the loss of a friend whom so many loved. I pray that this post will help someone at some point to think twice before committing suicide and instead get help. If I save just 1 life with this post, then it was worth writing.
Val's Wonderings and Ponderings 