YOU are worth living for

WARNING: This post is about suicide. If you have lost someone to suicide and think you will find this post too difficult to read, please click out of it now. If you are contemplating suicide or know someone who may be, I encourage you to keep reading.

With that being said...

I love Dr. Phil. I admit, I am one of *those* that actually like him. I think he's real in what he says and he lays it out for you - whether you are ready to hear it or not. I appreciate that in someone and feel we can all learn from someone like that.

The other night his show was about suicide. He mentioned the movie The Bridge. It is about a guy who set up cameras in 2004 and recorded the happenings at the Golden Gate Bridge. Twenty-four people committed suicide that year. My sister in law had told me about it previously and I don't know why it intrigued me, but it did. So I watched it.

It made me so sad because all the people that committed or attempted suicide (one guy survived the jump) left behind people that loved them so much. Life is ALWAYS worth living for. ALWAYS. No matter what you are going through, no matter what anyone goes through that committs suicide, there is NEVER anything that is *that bad* that is worth ending your life. There is ALWAYS help available. There is ALWAYS a light at the end of the tunnel. There is ALWAYS someone that will be there for you. The situation that seems so bleak and horrible in the moment is NEVER as bad as it seems right then.

I have personally known two people that have taken their own life. One did it over a guy breaking up with her. It's so sad. She was so young. She would have gotten through it and what seemed so horrible at the time would have gotten better, she would have healed, she would have moved on to bigger and better things. We all do when our heart is broken. The other person I knew, no one knows why he did it. No note. No problems that anyone knew of. Nothing.

I want to encourage all of you if you know someone who has joked around about suicide or has talked about it...PLEASE listen to them.

Here are some warning signs to really pay attention to:

• Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself


• Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills or other means


• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person


• Feeling hopeless


• Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger, or seeking revenge


• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking


• Feeling trapped, like there's no way out


• Increasing alcohol or drug use


• Withdrawing from friends, family and society


• Feeling anxious, agitated or unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time


• Experiencing dramatic mood changes


• Seeing no reason for living, or having no sense of purpose in life

What to Do if You See Warning Signs:

• Take the person seriously and realize that he or she is not joking but is telling you his or her plans.


• Call 911.


• If the danger is imminent, reach out for help by calling a suicide crisis line such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255).


• Encourage the person to seek mental help.


• Don't give up on the person. Check in with him or her constantly. Let the person know that you want him or her to be safe and well, and that professional treatment is the best way to do that.

You can also find help online by going here

If you are contemplating suicide...PLEASE get help. PLEASE speak to someone. You are NOT alone. People care about you. People want you around. People need you. I want you around. I care about you. PLEASE click on the link above if you need help or call 1-800-273-TALK(8255) just to talk to someone. Please. YOU are so worth living for...even if it doesn't feel that way now. YOU are worth so much!

Sorry for the downer post but if I could save just one person...it's worth it.