Someone may hear you and call a friend who has isolated themselves and they may prevent that final disconnection

By  Readers’ Forum

Artist Roger Whiting, of Community Arts of Utah, left, and project assistant Mati Simonds stand near their mosaic mural on 2700 West between 3500 South and 3100 South in West Valley City on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Earlier, Gov. Spencer Cox and West Valley Mayor Ron Bigalow held a bilingual press event at West Valley City Hall to unveil the mural, dedicated to those who have taken their own lives, and a media campaign to raise awareness of mental health and #suicideprevention resources available to Utah’s Latino community.

I am slowly processing my brother’s death by #suicide. In the past, I have consoled friends when someone they knew died of #suicide. I never thought I would be a member of the club.    

I’ve learned that a depressed person may never become suicidal and a person who has never been depressed can become suicidal. That sometimes what you have been able to cope with in the past, you are no longer able to. There is no light at the end of the tunnel and you are not able to reach out. No matter how strong you are, like my brother, you just can’t do it anymore.   

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

By speaking openly about #suicide, we not only reduce the #stigma, we can help others. Someone may hear you and seek help. Someone may hear you and call a friend who has isolated themselves and they may prevent that final disconnection. 

I am slowly telling friends about my brother’s death. It takes a lot of energy. I hope that by honoring his life and sharing, it will lead to something positive; that it could one day save someone’s life or help someone who has lost someone feel so not alone and less pain.   
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/09/septemberisnationalsuicidepreventionmonth-speak-openly-about-suicide-it-could-save-someones-life/