There was a suicide that took place in the neighboring community, at a place where I walk daily. It occurred just before New Years, and was quietly responded to and cleaned up before most of us knew what had happened; all that is left now are some signs that someone made stating “You are loved!”. A few more signs were placed out yesterday that I’m glad to see. I’ve been thinking about this a lot because it’s clear that more hearts have broken since this particular one stopped beating. There is an emptiness that is left behind. I didn’t know this person but I can feel the rift just the same.
Depression and mental illness affect my family. Holidays are difficult, and it can be overwhelming. We often lose sight of the love around us when depression sets in. Even when things are down, it’s important to know that you are loved.
Reach out, and be willing to let others reach out to you.
Know that you are seen. Know that you are noticed. Know that there is someone who cares enough to listen so that you can be heard. Know that you matter.
To anyone out there for whom living hurts so badly, the alternative seems like a viable option: I am so sorry. This life can be simultaneously so beautiful and so painful, it can be hard to bear.
Please, let others help you carry the load.
Don’t go. Not yet. There is more to see.— Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams) June 8, 2018
Crisis Hotlines
- UNI maintains a CrisisLine and Mobile Outreach team at 801-587-3000, or by going to http://healthcare.utah.edu/uni/crisis
- Utah County: Utah County Crisis Line: 801-691-5433
- Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373-7393
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386
Online
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Utah
- Utah Chapter-American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Homeless Services
Volunteers of America | Youth Homeless Services – individuals may come to the Youth Resource Center for a shower, to do laundry or get some food. VOA works to build trust and break down barriers that led to homelessness in order to help teens transform their lives.
Anti-bullying
- PS I Love You Day – wear purple to stand up against bullying, help end depression, and ultimately prevent suicide. The group uses positive messaging and events to remind you that you are special, loved, and that you are never alone.
- Stand for the Silent – a place for you to talk with others who are willing to listen, accept you and offer their love and advice. A place you are safe to say how you feel without the fear of being judged.
- The Bully Project: thebullyproject.org
- Anti-Bullying Pro: back2school.antibullyingpro.com
- Global Dignity: globaldignity.org
Contact me if you want a free sticker. T-Shirts are sold at amazon.com, with proceeds going to nami.org