Suicide Prevention Awareness

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH

The month of September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Unfortunately, we all know that suicidal ideations, thoughts, and completing a suicide, are not designated to only the month of September, it can happen anytime of the year, but this month is a special time for all of us. It is time for us to take time out to care for ourselves, pay attention to our loved ones who may be struggling and need a little extra support, or to simply be kind to all those whom we encounter during the day. It is amazing how a simple smile, hello, or you look nice today, can make a huge impact in someone’s life.

Taking time out of our busy schedules to devote some self-pampering is not only needed, but a necessity. Too many times we focus on being there for those around us, our family members, co-workers, employees, and such, but we neglect to take care of our own needs. Self-love is so valued and not always recognized in our society. You can’t love someone else unless you truly love yourself and by taking time to reflect on self-care can make a difference in your mental and physical health, as well as those around you.

Some simple self-care tips can be:

Treating yourself to your favorite beverage or treat
Getting a massage
Going on a walk to self-reflect
Journaling
Picking yourself a flower
Exercise, such as yoga or swimming
Meditation
Reading
Manicure or pedicure
Bubble bath

We like to think that we are hypersensitive to our loved ones’ feelings and emotions, that we will be able to tell if something is bothering them. But this isn’t always true. The signs may be subtle at times, and don’t always catch our radar that something is wrong. Opening the lines of communication allows mutual communication, sanctioning someone who is struggling into a conversation. It is always nice to feel listened to, but during times of depression, stress, and overall challenges, our bodies weaken, becoming fatigued. When this happens, we let our defenses down, allowing feelings and emotions to sometimes get the best of us. Knowing that we have people around us who will listen is so helpful during those times of need.

People with depression may also be empaths, wanting to take care of others, however, often neglecting their own needs. They won’t reach out for help because they are the individual helping others and therefore, abandoning their own needs to ask for what they want or need. An empath is someone who feels other people’s feelings and emotions. This may be confusing to them, if they don’t understand it, for it may be hard to distinguish between some else’s feelings and emotions and their own.

Finally, be kind because you don’t know what some else may be going through in their own lives. Words do matter and hurt. The negative effects of social media have affected so many young people in a negative way, making words so important. Choose your words wisely because you cannot undo what has been said. The negativity of that sting lingers on, even after you’ve said you’re sorry. Instead choose positive words to uplift those around you. Be the light in someone’s life, not the darkness. Compliment often with a genuine intent. Laugh more. Smile more, but most of all, love more completely and deeply. Don’t take life for granted because we are not promised a tomorrow, all we have is today.