National Suicide Awareness Day

National Suicide Awareness Day is September 10.

I was hesitant to write a post about this topic. Mostly because it is such an important one. I don’t really know the right words to say to address its seriousness. The importance of talking about it, and how to make those who don't know about it more aware.

I realized the reason I am hesitant is that the word suicide is sometimes viewed as a taboo word. It’s a word that can have the power to make some people uncomfortable. Some people unsure of what to say other than uttering the words, “I’m sorry for your loss” to the loved ones left behind or “I’m sorry you’re going through this” to those struggling with suicidal thoughts or failed suicide attempts. Some people can only say I’m sorry because they don’t know what else to say. They don’t understand. Some people…like me.

I do feel this is a necessary post to write, as a fellow woman diagnosed with Endometriosis. Also, because there are many suffering from this chronic condition (as well as other conditions), and some of these women have taken their own life, others have contemplated it, or are depressed from the crippling pain.

What I will say is if you are someone struggling with suicide and contemplating it, please seek help (US National Suicide Hotline Number: 1-800-273-8255). I may not know what you’re going through, but sometimes there are other people who have been through similar experiences that do know and understand. Reach out and lean on those individuals to help give you strength to endure your trials.

I don’t have all the right words. I doubt anyone does. However, I often find that music speaks to me on many levels in whatever mood I am in. So I will share with you songs that give me strength when I am fighting my own demons and trying to slay the dragons in my everyday life. 

I have posted a few songs and a few lines of the beautiful lyrics from each that can convey in much better words the feelings of loneliness, the doubts, the unanswered whys we often feel when we are enduring much hardship.  While they do capture the heartache, somehow at the same time it also manages to find a way to inspire and remind of hope even when it feels like all hope is gone. The reminder that a rainbow always comes after rain.

Sometimes He Lets it Rain (Katherine Nelson)

“She sees the storm clouds gather.

The sky is turning cold and gray.

She knows that something’s coming

when she starts to feel this way.

She prays for intervention,

but Heaven offers no relief.

And she would understand if she could only see, that

Sometimes He lets it rain.

He lets the fierce winds blow.

Sometimes it takes a storm,

to lead a heart where it can grow.

He can move mountains of grief,

and oceans of pain,

but sometimes He lets it rain…”

~

Blessings (Laura Story)

"Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops?

What if your healing come through tears?

What if a thousand sleepless nights,

are what it takes to know you're near?

What if the trials of this life 

are your mercies in disguise?

What if the trials of this life,

the rain, the storms, the hardest nights,

are your mercies in disguise?"

~

Not too far from here (Hilary Weeks)

“Somebody’s troubled and confused

Somebody’s got nothing left to lose

Not too far from here

Somebody’s forgotten how to trust

Somebody’s dying for love

Not too far from here

Help me Lord not turn away from pain

Help me not to rest while those around me weep

Give me your strength and compassion

When somebody finds the road of life too steep”

If any of the lyrics described some of what you feel, I hope you will take the time and listen to the entire song and feel some hope. For more inspirational and emotion feeling music, click for my growing playlist on Youtube.

And if you can, take the time to spread awareness to help prevent suicide. The only way awareness can be made is if we choose to stand up and use our voice rather than being afraid to talk about it. So let's get the word out there and see how powerful our voices truly are and what a difference even one voice can make. 

PS: I would love to hear some feedback on what you thought about my first post for National Suicide Awareness Day.

Last Edited: November 29,2018