You’ll probably never meet a person who hasn’t been touched by suicide in some way, shape, or form, and unfortunately, I’ve had my share of close brushes with it.
My brother has tried to take his own life three times. All three times, if it weren’t for the intervention of others, he would have succeeded. One of those times, it was me. I had to talk him down from the ledge, and it still haunts me. And then, about six years ago, one of my closest friends, without warning, ended his own life—no note, no clues, just gone.
I was blindsided, angry, and confused. The sadness didn’t come right away, and I spiraled into anger, frustration, and regret, which led me to therapy.
If you’ve been touched by suicide, you know what I’m talking about. It’s like a steam train that barrels in without warning and hits you full force. In my experience, the warning signs don’t appear until too late. That’s why suicide prevention is so important. It’s why we need to be kind, check in on each other, and remember that you never know what battles someone else is fighting.
The following is to get it out of my head and to emphasize the importance of National Suicide Prevention Month.
Understanding the Silent Struggle
It’s a silent struggle that many people carry inside their heads, sometimes for years. My friend’s father died, and it affected him more than it appeared because suicide doesn’t always come with a flashing neon sign.
That’s the most challenging part of suicide to wrap your head around, in my opinion—someone who seemed fine, always smiling or cracking jokes, could be suffering so deeply inside that the only escape they see is ending it all. It’s like a dark cloud hovering above, but no one sees it until it’s storming and you’re soaking wet.
Statistics paint an even starker picture.
Nearly 1 in 5 Americans have a mental illness each year, and 1 in 25 live with a mental illness that can lead to suicide. What’s worse is many don’t get the help they need, often turning to self-medicating instead of seeking appropriate treatment.
The Ripple Effect of Suicide
The aftermath of suicide is like an emotional wrecking ball, shattering the lives of everyone left behind. It’s not all about the person who’s gone; it’s about the people still here, trying to piece together what happened.
I felt this firsthand when my friend took his own life. I thought he had it all together—a good marriage, a great home, and a circle of friends who loved him. But none of that was enough to keep his darkness at bay, and his death hit me like a ton of bricks. It took me a long time to process what happened, which continues today.
This is the ripple effect of suicide. It doesn’t just end with the person who’s gone. It spreads outward, touching everyone who cares about them. That’s why suicide prevention isn’t just about saving one life—it’s about protecting the people who would be devastated by the loss.
Why Suicide Prevention Matters
Suicide prevention is about people and the ripple effect their loss can have on others. It matters because the smallest act of kindness, superficial conversations, or even checking in on a friend could save a life.
Suicide often feels like a sudden event, but the truth is that many people who do it have been silently struggling for a while. They might not show the signs you expect because they may seem like the happiest, well-adjusted person around, like my friend. But in reality, they just put on a brave face while a storm rages inside.
Prevention is about awareness, but more than that, it’s about action. It’s about being kind to the people around you because we never know what someone else is going through. This kindness can come in many forms: offering a listening ear, lending a hand, or being there when someone needs you.
Sometimes, the conversation you’re avoiding with someone you know who’s having a rough time may save a life.
Suicide statistics are always alarming, but they don’t tell the entire story. Behind every number is a person—someone’s brother, sister, friend, or parent. And that’s why we need to keep talking about it, not just during National Suicide Prevention Month, but every day. Because the conversation might be uncomfortable, but it’s far better than the alternative.
How Fitness and Mental Health are Connected
Exercise has always been my go-to when life gets on top of me. When the walls feel like they’re closing in, there’s nothing like moving your body to give your brain a reset. Whether it’s a quick walk, lifting weights, or sweating through a workout, exercise is one of our most powerful tools for managing mental health.
I’m not saying exercise is a cure-all or a replacement for therapy, but it’s a way to take control when everything else feels out of control. I’ve also seen the impact of exercise on people who are struggling with mental health issues. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, or even bipolar disorder, moving your body has a way of making things feel more manageable.
When it comes to suicide prevention, we need to use every tool in the toolbox. Exercise is an excellent tool in this fight because it can help heal your body and mind.
Wrapping Up
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can’t always handle everything alone. That’s why I sought therapy. Sometimes, reaching out for help is the bravest thing you can do—for yourself and those who care about you.
That’s why having resources available is crucial. Knowing where to turn can save lives whether you’re struggling personally or know someone who is. Here are a few essential resources whether you’re in crisis or need someone to talk to:
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988 for help 24/7. This free, confidential service connects you with a trained counselor who can provide support in times of distress.
- Crisis Text Line (U.S.): If you’re not ready to talk on the phone, you can text “START” to 741741. This line is available 24/7 for text-based support, which can sometimes feel more approachable than a phone call.
- Veterans Crisis Line (U.S.): For veterans and their families, the Veterans Crisis Line is available at 1-800-273-8255, press 1. This service is specifically designed for those who have served and may be dealing with unique mental health challenges related to their service.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to call these numbers. Reaching out could make all the difference.
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