Check on Each Other

National Suicide Prevention Hotline:

 1-800-273-TALK [8255]

Chester Bennington, Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain, Robin Williams and so many others had it all: Fame, fortune, family, money, accolades and awards.  They were loved by millions.  Adored by fans. Their movies, music, products, and shows were bought, watched, listened to and worn.  These people were envied.  

You know what they also had?  Something they shared with me.  Something they shared with tens of millions of us.  Something far beyond their control.  Something kids and adults in the every day world don't receive the kind attention these celebrities achieved for their suicides.

They had addictions.  They had depression.  They had anxiety.  They had demons.  Perhaps they were bullied.  They had mental illness.  They felt alone in crowded rooms, but played everyone's best friend.  Their neurotransmitters and neurons were misfiring just like mine do.  Perhaps like yours do, or your loved one's do.  Our minds are clouded, decision making is poor.  

We do not think well of others, not even our dearest family and friends.  

We decide they would be better off without us.

Their family members go through hell.  They're left with questions, not answers.  

And there are millions out there, just like them, watching the news, watching social media, watching all of this play out, suffering even worse. There are are millions who are wincing in pain in silence.  Inside, they are crying out in pain, waiting for someone to notice them, waiting for help, not knowing how to ask, dying inside.  They see the attention suicide receives....

Loves, please listen to me.  Check on your friends.  Check on your children.  Check on yourself.  Don't go it alone.  Don't allow your friends to go it alone.

I know the lies the enemy tells you.  I know deep the pit is, and how it pulls you down.  I know how anxiety frays your nerves, so you jump at every little sound.  I know the only thing you want to do is sleep.  I know how it can freeze you in place.  I know the temptation of suicide.  I know the release that drugs and alcohol give.  I know the quiet and relief that cutting and burning bring.  It's like a sigh from deep inside of you that just releases everything you're holding in.  It tells you everything is going to be okay.

Loves, I want to also tell you--there is a sweeter, permanent release Jesus brings.  I want to tell you, but I do not want to preach at you, so I will leave it at that.  

I will never stop shouting your worth.  I will never stop shouting the good that you are, and the good that you deserve.  I will never stop shouting that it is okay to take care of yourself.  I will never stop shouting that you are enough.  I will never stop shouting that the earth needs you, and there is a place for you here.  

Please, don't give up.  Find a reason to cling to.  Live minute by minute.  Don't even take it day by day.  Just minute by minute.  Find a reason.  Find that person who recognizes your struggle.  Hold on.  Please.  You are needed.  

And for those of you who have already survived, and know it's a day to day process, please live out your testimony for those who need to hear it.  There are others who need to hear it's going to be okay.  

We need to end suicide.