September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. For the past few years I participated in awareness through Cycle Around the Globe, an initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). They started in 1960 and grew to over 50 countries around the world.
I cycle in Prospect Park, Brooklyn and other areas of my community to share literature and love. I'm a little under the weather today and didn't cycle. So I hope this message can still be reached far and near through internet action. Shout out to everyone working on this initiative today and everyday.
According to IASP, every year, more than 800,000 people die by suicide and up to 25 times as many make a suicide attempt. Behind these statistics are the individual stories of those who have, for many different reasons, questioned the value of their own lives.
Each one of these individuals is part of a community. Some may be well linked in to this community, and have a network of family, friends and work colleagues or school mates. Others may be less well connected, and some may be quite isolated. Regardless of the circumstances, communities have an important role to play in supporting those who are vulnerable.
This sentiment is reflected in the theme of the 2017 World Suicide Prevention Day: ‘Take a minute, change a life.’ As members of communities, it is our responsibility to look out for those who may be struggling, check in with them, and encourage them to tell their story in their own way and at their own pace. Offering a gentle word of support and listening in a non-judgemental way can make all the difference. - Well said!
I want to encourage those of you that may be in a state of feeling that your presence is no longer necessary.- It is! Whatever you're going through has been experienced by someone else. They just didn't share their story. But you can share and perhaps save someones life yourself. Please remember to call 1-800-273-Talk (8255) if you ever feel down. Someone is there to lift your spirits up at the national suicide prevention lifeline.
We all endure circumstances in our lives and have our ways of dealing with it. My faith, love of family and their support has truly been a saving grace through my life's journey. I've even had a therapist that I've spoken to as well friends. We need all resources to assist us in our life. Exhaust them all! My brother taught a life affirmation that I'll share with you. Let's all declare today 'I love life and life loves me. Life and I, we do agree. Life takes pleasure in my prosperity. Today I live my life best!' -Be Blessed, beloved community.
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