By Wanda Farmer
2005
Suicide is a silent killer and a worldwide epidemic, Killing 1 person every 20 seconds.
It visits young and old alike.
For 8 yrs I have searched every suicide site that I could to find
some answers to the baffling effects of this tragic happening.
Like everyone else who has been
touched by this silent killer, I
want to know.... WHY ....What if ...could I have done anything to
have stopped this? What did I do wrong? But I now realize, it is not about me.
There are no answers to so many of our questions. Every one of us deals with our pain and
our heartaches in our own ways.
We would all like to believe that we could have prevented
our loved ones death, but we are powerless over someone else’s choice.
These warning signs (may) not stop a suicide but they will help to make us more aware of
what is going on in a loved ones life...there by making it possible for us to help them get the
help that they need. It is too late to help my nephew now, but I can be more aware of what the
signs are and just maybe a life will be saved.
My prayer is that we STOP - LOOK & Listen
to those around us before they decide that: Life just isn't worth living .
Warning Signals
Becoming reckless: Driving, crazy dares, playing with weapons
Talking about death - I wish I was dead...I can't take it any more...
they'll be sorry when I'm gone.
Personal behaviors
- Depression, change in sleeping patterns,
withdrawal from family
or friends, loss of interest in things once loved, anger,
mood swings, hopelessness,
Giving away of
possessions
Increased risk taking - reckless driving
Experiencing a loss - death, relationship break up, divorce, problems with & parents or friends.
Being happy after feeling so hopeless -
When someone has decide to commit suicide they will feel a happiness due to their decision to commit suicide so they feel a heavy weight has been lifted from them.
Previous attempts - In most cases we don't know if they have attempted before, but if they have, chances are they will try again.
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These guide lines are in no way proof that someone is suicidal. If you know anyone
may be showing these warning signals, talk to them. Let them know that you
are there and you care. Drinking, drugs, depression & mental illness will take you
farther than you want to go if you don't get some help.
Emotional Side of Suicide/Violent Loss
Generally it takes 18- 24 months just to stabilize after the death of a
family member or loved one. It can take much longer when the death was a
violent one. Recognize the length of the mourning process. Beware of
developing unrealistic expectations of yourself.
~*~
Your worst times usually are not at the moment a tragic event takes place.
Then you're in a state of shock of numbness. Often you slide "into the pits"
or body slam as we call it . That is normally at the 3 and 7 months after the
event. Strangely, when you're in the pits and temped to despair, may be the
time when most people expect you to be over your loss.
~*~
When people ask you how you are doing don't always say, Fine, ok. Let some
people know how terrible you feel.
~*~
Talking with a true friend or with others who've been there and survived
can be very helpful. Those that have been there speak your language. Only
they can really say, "I know, I understand, you are not alone."
~*~
Often depression is a cover for anger. Learn to uncork your bottle and
find appropriate ways to release your bottled up anger. What you're going
through seems unfair and un-just.
~*~
It may be necessary to spend some time feeling sorry for yourself.
"Pity
parties" sometimes are necessary and can be therapeutic, as long as you don't
stay there to long.
~*~
It's all right to cry, to question, to be weak. Beware of allowing
yourself to be "put on a pedestal" by others who tell you what a inspiration
you are because of your strength and your ability to cope so well. If they only knew.
~*~
Remember you may be a rookie at the experience you're going through. This
is probably the first violent death you've coped with. You're new at this and
you don't know what to do or how to act. You need help.
~*~
Reach out and try to help others in some small way at least. This little
step forward may help prevent you from dwelling on yourself.
~*~
Many times of crisis ultimately can become times of opportunity.
Mysteriously your faith in yourself, in others, and in God can be deepened
through crisis. Seek out persons who can serve as a symbol of hope to you.
~*~*~
Author Unknow
*Thank you Robert for allowing me to post, "Emotional Side of Suicide".
Please visit Robert Walters site that he has dedicated to his son Robbie.
You won't be disapointed!
bravenet.com