This post isn't lifestyle related but its a real and ever growing occurrence these days. Its always been a weak subject for me, even though I had never experienced it thru My friends or family....... until today.
This is NOT a sympathy post by all means! This is just to help raise awareness. It seems like more and more you read or watch somewhere that another person has taken their own life and it truly makes me sad, even when I have no clue who that person is, but I know that each and every single one of those people had family and friends who loved them and cared about them dearly. I am even guilty of being one of these people who always ask "Why couldnt someone see something was wrong?", or "Didnt anyone notice a change in said person?".
After today, I will no longer ask that question, or wonder "Why". I will just sit in silence for a moment for the person who has taken their life, and pray for the family that lost them. Today, I learned what it was like to be the family member who lost a loved one to suicide, and today I was able to answer my own questions. To the ones who were like me, and have these same questions, my answer is this, there really aren't any signs in most cases. Yes, My uncle had PTSD from serving in the military and going on several tours, but also, My uncle was being treated for it and was in a pretty good spot in he's life and he leas happy daily and ALWAYS wore a smile on his face. Yes, I do blame the PTSD and alot would say "Well there was your sign" or "You all should have Kept a closer eye on him since he has it".And you know, everyone is probably right, but also, My uncle was at a point where he was loving life. He became a proud papa just 2 months ago and was loving every minute of it. He had a new girlfriend that he got along great with and they were so good together. He were a smile EVERY day and laughed everyday. He called to check on other family and friends daily. To anyone who knew him, would tell you that he was the happiest he had been in a long time. There were no signs that his PTSD flaired back up, or that he was heading into a hole again, or anything. He even got up this morning with a smile on his face, kissed his girlfriend goodbye, and headed out the door for work. But in the short amount of time from leaving for work until his lunch break is when it all changed. He never made it back to work.
Suicide is real, and it is the realest in the ones who seem the happiest. Theres no answer for their "why" that anyone else will know except them. In most cases, there are no signs that someone is in trouble, or that someone feels so bad inside themselves that they feel the ONLY way out is to end their own life. All I ask from anyone who has read this blog to this point... Please ALWAYS check on family and friends on a daily. Please tell your friends and family daily that you love them. Please don't ever put off visiting or calling a friend or family member.... and most of all...
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE... if you ever have a gut feeling to call someone or go see Someone, DO IT!! That phone call or visit just might be what they needed to live another day! Usually when your gut is tugging at you, its for a reason! And don't take a Single day for granted!
