Making Love Louder Than the Lies: A Call to Action for Suicide Prevention
Some losses mark you forever. February 14, 1997, was mine. A day decorated in heart-shaped celebrations and sweet professions of Love forever's was the day my father died by suicide.
He left a note. I have read it, reread it, turned it over in my head and my hands a thousand times. Searching. Trying to understand what could have possibly led him to die by his own hand.
For years, I carried whys like stones in my pockets. Could I have stopped it? Did I miss the signs? Was my love not enough?
Many years, tears, and meditations later, here is what I know now:
LOVE IS ENOUGH. It just has to be louder than the lies.
And so, we have to keep showing up. Keep speaking and being curious about one another's wellbeing.
Keep reminding each other that even in the darkest moments, love is the answer. Keep turning towards love.
Here's what love is...
💙 Check on your people. Even the ones who seem fine.
Oh wow, would you look at that. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) tells me February is Men's Mental Health Awareness month. CHECK ON YOUR MEN THIS MONTH! You have no excuse now, and an easy lead-in:
"Yo, I just saw that it's Men's Mental Health Awareness month, and I care about your mental health. Just saying hello and letting you know you can ALWAYS call me for support!"
This particular page on NAMI's website is incredibly helpful for anyone wanting to know more asking someone if they are considering suicide.
💙 Normalize talking about mental health. No shame. No stigma. Have a hyper-linked* list of NAMI options you can offer up without hesitation. Copy/paste this now!
* There are links in the background that will automatically load the phone when clicked.
💙 Consider getting certified in QPR Gatekeeper Training. The Q(uestion) - P(ersuade) - R(efer) model is incredibly empowering. I did a free class through one of my local nonprofits, SummitStone Health Partners. And hands down, the QPR Institute is a very valuable resource.
"The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to help someone in crisis. Taught in a clear, concise format, QPR training helps you to identify warning signs of suicide, get help for someone in crisis, and apply the QPR training with someone who may be suicidal."
The training I took included great takeaways that left me still slightly uncomfortable (it's an uncomfortable topic, this suicide stuff!), but determined to implement with love. Specifically, I learned:
Key suicide statistics
Common myths and misconceptions
What to look for (warning signs)
How to ask the “suicide” question
How to persuade someone to get help
How to refer someone to help and local resources
💙 Like and Share resources. Help exists, and it saves lives. Be social about it!
💙 Be a safe space. Love louder than the lies.
If you’ve lost someone, I see you. If you’re struggling, you are loved, and you are needed. Please stay.
Comments