I come before you not as a runner but a person who has been dealing with an effect that is an epidemic across the states and other parts of the counties. And that effect is, suicide.
I was notified yesterday that a good friend of mine who I met through running many years ago had passed away, from suicide. He was only 26 years old and a fantastic runner, he was always a tough runner when I met him because of his attitude and his ability. We shared many good moments together with encouragement. Even when I went through my neck injury, he was there with many emails telling me that it wasn't over for me. I just wish he would've told himself that when he needed it, or maybe I should've. There is a part of me that feels guilty because the loss of contact between us and if I was around to talk or listen to him when he was going through a hard time but it is a burden I shouldn't carry because guilt can lead to depression. And from what I heard, he got depressed for losing a race he was good at, he was looking for that perfection. To me, he is still a strong runner and always a champion, no matter what place he took.
Did you know that in America, for every 2 people killed by homicide, 3 people are dead by suicide and that over 300,000 Americans take their own lives every year? I did not know much about that facts because when you are hit by suicide, you think of everyone around you but not everyone in the world.
To me, that is not right at all because life should be embraced by everything, life, love, happiness, joy, family and friends. And sure, there are bad times in the world where you feel like you do not matter but to everyone else, you do. There is help and asking for help is not a sign of being weak, it is a sign of taking a step to being better.
Truth is, I can read you so many facts about the leading causes of suicide and sadly, that list can go on and on as things are added like depression, mental state of mind, anger, or thinking that death is a way out of life when you are having a bad moment. It is not a way out of everything bad because it creates more bad in the world as younger generations or those of the same age level think of it as an example and that leads on to more related deaths.
Growing up on the reservation, it was something I would see and hear about and the community was shocked, just like everyone in the world. I lost friends and relatives to suicide and I have to tell you, it hurts and the effects are still hurtful years later as they did the first time you experience them.
Even though there is a national Suicide Prevention or Awareness day in September, I think that there should be one every month. Just a personal opinion because I believe in life.
And I know some of you may ask, "What can we do to help prevent this?" And that is, if you know someone who is depressed or having a bad day, do not add to it. Make that person's day by telling them something great, to boost their confidence. Studies show that those who attempted suicide and still surviving gave life another chance to live and found someone who made them happy. Goes to show you how far a smile or gesture can take someone. And for those who read this who feel less than perfect in life, you are perfect to me and many others.
There are many websites, counselors, phone numbers to call to seek help. And it is never too late to do so, it does get better and I do mean that. You are not alone.
Even if you need someone to talk to, I am here for you as well. And I don't judge or tell anyone of the conversations we may have.
Here are some links if you need them:
http://www.afsp.org/ Toll-free: 1-888-333-AFSP (2377) American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
No comments:
Post a Comment