On the other hand, I'm ashamed. As some of you know, I was suicidal at a point in my life. I'm ashamed that I put my friends through that scary time. They were worried and praying that I would be ok. That I would survive. I never quite understood why. I think I get it now, though. It hurts when someone you love and care about would take their own life. You think they are worth it. You would work to keep them alive...but they didn't realize that.
And now it's too late.
But not really.
The best way to memorialize someone who has taken their own life, is to prevent someone else from doing so. There are lots of great organizations whose main goal is to raise awareness about suicide. Here's how you can help:
1. Learn the symptoms of depression and what suicidal thoughts sound like. Know how to spot them and what to do when someone you love might be considering that.
2. Listen. This goes hand in hand with the previous statement. Be involved in your friends lives. Know what is going on and when they might be down in life.
3. Contact a professional (counselor, teacher, minister). Even if they don't want you to. Even if you think you can handle it. You can't. The best thing to do is put this in the hands of someone with experience. Remember: You want to keep your friend alive at all cost.
4. Find an organization that supports these things. Spread the word. Go to events, pass out fliers. My favorite is "To Write Love on Her Arms."
5. Love. Tell your friends that you love them. That they are worth it. That they are capable of amazing things in life. To end their life would be a great tragedy. Show that you care. A little kindness always goes a long way.
I'm sure that the sweet girl who ended her life didn't know that it would affect so many people. That she would inspire me, someone who didn't even know her, to write a blog. To raise awareness. To mourn her death.
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