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September is Suicide Awareness Month - Reach Out, Give Hope

Last year my son's pee wee football coach suddenly died.

He was young. Funny. Friendly. I loved that he was my son's coach because he seemed to understand my son's often difficult behavioral issues. He was good with the boys. He and his family were adored in our community.

 

The heartbreak felt across our military community for his young widow, left with four little children, was palatable. The task in front of her was huge. And it started with having to suddenly PCS across the Pacific, handle the funeral, the flux of family and suddenly the inevitable moment alone that was to come when she realized now, it was just her.

 

It was weeks before most of us realized this was not a sudden training accident or illness. He had committed suicide.

 

Shock. More tears. Questions.

 

This month is National Suicide Prevention Month. In 2013, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death for Americans. One person died by their own hand every 12.8 minutes. That same year, the Department of Defense announced that about 22 veterans were committing suicide every, single day. 

 

Earlier this month, this young service member's wife posted a pointed message. The only one she has ever posted regarding his passing. She wrote,

 

September is suicide awareness month. It's a month that should be acknowledged. It's a month that should be talked about. I never imagined I'd ever be affected by something like that. There is help. And there is hope. And there are a ton of different resources to use if you ever feel so low that you can't pull yourself out. Use them.

And she is right.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention lists these suicide warning signs:

If a person talks about:

  • Killing themselves.
  • Having no reason to live.
  • Being a burden to others.
  • Feeling trapped.
  • Unbearable pain.

 A person’s suicide risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, especially if it’s related to a painful event, loss, or change.

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
  • Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online for materials or means.
  • Acting recklessly.
  • Withdrawing from activities.
  • Isolating from family and friends.
  • Sleeping too much or too little.
  • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.
  • Giving away prized possessions.
  • Aggression.

 People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods.

  • Depression.
  • Loss of interest.
  • Rage.
  • Irritability.
  • Humiliation.
  • Anxiety.

There is help, 24 hours a day.

Contact:

  • —  Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • —  Psychiatric hospital walk-in clinic
  • —  Hospital emergency room
  • —  Urgent care center/clinic
  • —  Call 911

The Veteran's Crisis Line is available every day, all day and night:

1-800-273-8255 and press 1

If someone you know is suffering reach out, make the call for them if you have to. Every minute counts. You can help change their future.

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