Suicide. Suicidal Ideation. Suicidal Tendencies.
Yes, the topic of this post is pretty much the opposite of our culture’s mandate for this to be a “jolly” time of year, the “Happ-Happiest Season of All.” Why? Because for some, for many, their (our) experience of this time of year is the opposite of that. And we need to talk about it; as individuals and as a culture, we need to talk about it much more than we do.
More than anything, I want to share with you someone else’s post on this subject. I have followed Therese Borchard for a number of years, first by reading her book Beyond Blue and then becoming an active member of a forum she started for people with mental illness called Group Beyond Blue. Therese shares from her personal life and is well- practiced on writing from the heart.
Here’s the link (you will need to copy and paste): http://thereseborchard.com/2018/11/26/dear-suicidal-person/
If someone, other than yourself, came to mind, while reading Therese’s post, please, please share it with them. More than anything else, someone who is suicidal needs to know: a) they are not alone and, b) they do not need to be ashamed. So please share!
I also encourage you to share it with anyone. Share it wide! Let’s make this a conversation we can have publicly with the goal of making it a subject that those who are suffering can discuss without fear of rejection.
I will share more poetry later (I have written more poems about this topic than any other), but just this, to end today’s post:
appreciate the soul
that hurts
when you think
there’s nothing
sharp
in the air
nothing that
pricks at
the heart.
Hold out
your hand
anyway
it is a kindness.
by 