By MIKE MCKENNA
Life can be hard for everybody. Even some of the biggest smiles are hiding deep scars. But the good news is we’re not alone, especially in a tight-knit community likes ours.
There are lots of great people and resources to help us fill up our personal toolboxes so we can tackle any challenge life throws at us.
“We’re not supposed to avoid challenges, we’re meant to experience them and realize that we have overcome other challenges before,” said Tammy Davis of The Crisis Hotline. “When we overcome something we become stronger, more resilient and we grow our emotional toolboxes to make us better equipped for the next challenge.”
September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. It’s something we should all be aware of because suicide impacts every demographic, regardless of age, ethnicity or gender.
Unfortunately, suicide rates have increased nationally over the last few years. A sign of what the U.S. Surgeon General said, “underscores the depths of the devastating mental health crisis in America.”
Idaho currently has the 12th highest suicide rate in the country with the entire Rocky Mountain region topping the nation in per-capita occurrences.
“Our community has been impacted immensely by this subject,” Tammy said.
As disconcerting as this subject is, there are reasons to be hopeful with one of the big reasons being that we can all help. Studies have shown that 94% of American adults think that suicide can be prevented. Thanks to groups like The Crisis Hotline and 5B Suicide Prevention Alliance there is a lot of help and guidance just a phone call away. As they remind us, “Suicide prevention is everyone’s job.”
While there are no foolproof signs that someone is considering suicide, there are usually some common behaviors that we can be on the lookout for—both in others and within ourselves.
A general sense of helplessness or expressing suicidal thoughts are often two telltale signs, according to Tammy. “If people mention anything about suicide, we should take it seriously,” she said.
If we hear friends or family say things like, “Nothing ever changes” or “I can’t do anything right” that can be the cue for us to simply stop and listen.
“Listening is the most important thing you can do. Be present, be aware, be kind. Offer support and get help if it’s escalating,” Tammy advised.
The real aim is to not let a bad moment turn into a moment we can never get back.
“At that moment, when we’re in that place, nothing else matters,” Tammy explained. “We’re not thinking with our rational brain. Our toolbox is empty.”
But as Tammy reminds us, the good thing about any challenge is that it gives us a chance to grow, to overcome, to become stronger and add to our toolbox for tackling life’s challenges.
“We need to realize that life experiences, whether they’re happy or challenging or stressful, are just experiences,” Tammy said. “We should be grateful for them and how they help us grow. We should also be kind and accepting of ourselves for who we are.”
For more information go to 5BAlliance.org. For help, dial 988 to reach the CDC’s national hotline or call The Crisis Hotline at 208-788-3596.