“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” Robin Williams
I got home at 1 am this morning, was in bed around 1:45 am from a weekend competition with my daughter and was up again at 6 am. I thought to myself, “why didn’t you take the day off, what good are you going to be today” but my daughter had to attend school and I was supposed to see my first client at 8:30 am. I do not like to reschedule clients at all! So, I got up, got ready, and was on my way. All morning I kept telling myself, “just make it through the day and then you can go home and sleep!”
Then walked into my office a precious 13 yr. old. My whole day shifted when this sweet child told me they were having suicidal thoughts, did not like who they were, didn’t fit in, and felt like an outcast. So, after working a 12-hr. workday to ensure this child is safe and getting the treatment they need in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, I’m walking in my house to love on MY 13 yr. old!
I don’t write this to get praise or accolades, I write this to say this is REAL! We must become united and STOP the continued rates of Suicide. Every day people are mourning their loved ones due to suicide; deaths that could be PREVENTED! Suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death for 10-34 yr. olds. It does not matter the age or life circumstances; we should not lose anyone to this tragedy.
We all must STOP the Stigma of mental health. We need to observe, listen, ask direct questions. We need to love on people, show kindness, respect, encouragement; we need to build one another up instead of tearing each other down. We need to show CHRIST to people; show people they matter; WE ALL MATTER. We must STOP masking our depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, addiction, betrayal, etc. with smiles! We need to be REAL, genuine, and authentic. We need to be open. We need to get vulnerable. We need to reach out for help and get others help if we are concerned.
We are here to be a light in the darkness, to help the hurt and broken hearted. Christ shows us every day that we each MATTER. Tell everyone you meet, they matter. Smile. Be kind. Lend a helping hand. Listen. Love. Pray. Respect.
I could have gone back to sleep. I could have called in today. I could have not cared. I could have not asked direct questions. But I do not want to think about the “what ifs,” instead I am going to praise God that HE gave this sweet spirit the strength and courage to say, “I need help.” I will work another 12 hours to show that EVERYONE MATTERS! Will you?
Written by: Leah McMillan, DPA, LMFT, EMDR-T, CFRC
(Founder/Owner/Therapist at EnSpire Counseling and Wellness, LLC)
If you are a loved one is struggling, you are NOT ALONE.
*Please call 911
*The GA Crisis & Access Hotline at 1-800-715-4225
*The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
*Veterans Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255 & Press 1 or Text 838255
*Go to your local crisis center or emergency room
*EnSpire Counseling & Wellness at 229-262-1000