You are not alone, there is help!

Warning:  Not a popular topic of discussion, so beware, it's a sensitive subject I've posted today. One hint, to soften the impact:  September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. 

They call us Suicide Loss Survivors.  I would not wish this title on anyone.  There are a lot of us, unfortunately.  But when it happens to you, you feel like you are the only one.  The world seems to stop.  

My nephew and niece

Society is slowly, very slowly, trying to erase the taboo to openly discuss thoughts of suicide and talk about the loss of a loved one by suicide.  I see it happening even as I write this.   It is on the local and national news right now, because it's September.  But then the talk will fade until someone famous kills themselves and then it's a topic to discuss openly once again.  Lately there have been TV shows, Movies and novels that include suicide topics;  A Million Little Things, A Star is Born and Thirteen Reasons Why, respectively, are based on the suicide theme.  I don't really like hearing or seeing anything about suicide, but it is necessary to open the topic for discussion and helps to erase the taboo. I guess I'm conflicted on this subject in many ways, though I want people thinking about suicide prevention and to feel like they can talk to someone without shame and fear.

Me and Dad and my sister

The year 1971 was the first time I was made aware; a friend and classmate experienced a loss by suicide, his mother.  I couldn't wrap my mind around it and soon forgot about it as that friend left town.   The first time suicide directly affected me was in 2004.  My hero, my rock, my Dad killed himself at 86.  I was crushed. I haven't cried since.  In 2006, my niece, 34, died after at least one previous attempt that I didn't know about until after she passed.  What a nightmare.  And lastly, at least I hope and pray it's the last! My nephew (by marriage), who was a police officer, died in 2016 at 48.  They all had different stories but one similarity, depression.  They were in a deep dark hole that they couldn't find a way out of.  And I had NO clue what they were dealing with.  I didn't foresee them doing this, not once.  After my Dad died, I assure you, I was looking for a sign to help prevent another loss!

My Dad and I photographing and learning about the Rockies' wildflowers.

My heart breaks for those thinking suicide is a way out and for the families and friends that will have to walk my walk or already walking it.  And that's why I post this today.  There is help.  And I hope and pray people will find that help whether it is someone safe to confide in, books, God or even the Internet ...so many sources are available! 

My favorite source for information is AFSP (here) and they have local chapters (hopefully near those in need) and they are on FB too.  

I welcome comments. I do hope this helps someone to seek help!  Enjoy your day.

PS These are a couple of my favorite photos of my Dad and my niece.  

Happy Click'n!