National Suicide Prevention Week - Friday

           In the early stages of this post, I wanted it to be some long recounting of my story. Quickly, I saw that not only were the words not coming to me but that that post could not accomplish what it needed to. That’s when it hit me…instead of looking back on the last blog of this important week, wouldn’t it be better to look forward? Therefore, that is what I am going to attempt to do.
           Our society has a hard time talking about mental health issues because they are very dark concepts that are difficult for some to grasp. However, in society’s presentation of them, there is a lightness missing. That lightness flickers in some people, but it could shine far brighter. Let me explain.
           People don’t choose to end their life. People feel they have no choice. However, you and I and anyone for that matter can be a road block of love. We can reach out to our struggling companions and tell them that hope exists for everyone, help is possible, and that we love them. The only way this stigma can be erased is if we challenge the perceptions of society and those who are struggling. We can do this by being light in the darkness.
           To any of you who have struggled with thoughts of suicide or maybe even attempted suicide: You are not a failure. Your life is not hopeless. You are so much more than those thoughts and/or actions. I believe that you are here for a reason. I know the world would not be the same without you. Even though I may not know you, I care about you.

            To everyone: There is a decent chance that someone in your life has, is, or will struggle with suicide and/or a mental illness. You cannot be a passive observer because someone’s life is at stake. I dare you to be a light to them. I challenge you to be bold enough to say that they are loved, there is hope, and that you are there for them.

            I am going to leave the final piece of wisdom to the inspirational Mahatma Gandhi. “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. …We need not wait to see what others do.”

Love and Hope

Laura Faurot

Treasurer- TWLOHA Creighton