Is it really September 2026 already?
Can you believe it is September already? September is full of events, activities, and memories. School is back in session. Kids are like oh man, already…Parents are like oh yeah, time to get back to schedules.
Fall sports have started with competitive attitudes. We will work hard, we got this, and we are going to win big. Here comes all the Fall Festivals. Making those memories for a lifetime.
But September is also Suicide Awareness Month. Just think about being a mother that looks out her kitchen window everyday and looks at the house next door, where her son once lived. Think about her remembering everyday what took place in that house.
We all need to stop, check on others, and listen. Let’s start conversations, offer support, and connect people with crisis resources. Everyone should “Be the Difference” in other’s lives.
Look for the warning signs of:
*Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone
*Having mood swings, emotionally high one day, then deeply discouraged the next
*Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
*Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
*Changing normal routines, including eating or sleeping patterns
*Doing risky or self-destructive things
*Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order
*Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again
*Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above.
Warning signs aren’t always obvious.
Out at the Veterans Memorial Park of America, we have a monument in the shape of a bracelet. On this monument are engraved the words “22 A DAY- Not all wounds are visible”. It refers to the veteran suicide rate of 22 per day.
There is no truer statement – not all wounds are visible because everyone handles things differently. Life is busy and going by fast. Let’s make sure that someone’s life is not cut short because they think they have no purpose in life.
I saw some t-shirts online with sayings that will help remind people that they do matter:
“Choose to keep writing your story”
“Continue winning the battle you tell no one about”
“Crawling is Acceptable, Falling is Acceptable, Crying is Acceptable, Pain is Acceptable, Quitting is NOT Acceptable”
“Don’t let the Hard Days Win”
and last but not least “Remember the world is a better place with you in it”.
Not only for this month but every day let’s keep in mind what others may be going through.
From a dear friend of mine: “Our basic message to everyone is to not be afraid to ask the question: are you ok? Do you need to talk to me or someone? Our son Christopher died to suicide on November 10, 2023, leaving behind two young daughters, a wife, his parents, brother, and a very large extended family that were always there if he needed us.
“But as my brother who he confided in told me, Christopher was tired of beating himself up every day to meet unrealistic expectations. This was a permanent solution to a temporary problem that could have worked through by reaching out. There are so many resources that will keep your discussions confidential and help you. Programs like ‘Be The One’.” (Mary Jo, mother to Christopher.)
Please share or call the Crisis Hotline 988 or (800) 273-8255 if you know someone is in need.
