Self reflection and suicide

Lately I've been thinking a lot about suicide. Although not in the sense of hurting myself, but the actual act of it. What would make someone feel like they no longer have an option? I have known people including myself that have had their lives affected by it. It bothers me primarily because although I often isolate myself, I would like to believe if I ever needed someone I have people I can call on. I have friends I can vent to, people I can call in need, whatever the need.  But what happens when people get to that point where they see no other way?  There are, in my opinion, two forms of suicide..accidental and intentional.

Accidental is when you overdo the thing or things that have helped you cope with your pain.  These are the people who are in pain and sometimes use drugs and/or alcohol to deal with it. When the pain becomes too much and they over use the drugs or drink to the point of unknowingly causing themselves harm.  Even going through the motions and then finding themselves trying to undo the act because that moment of clarity kicks it but it's too late.

Intentional, planned out sure of their decision, see NO other way. Sometimes these are the ones who leave a note, give away belongings have a plan they may have even went as far as studying ways to kill themselves. Until one day the follow through with it. These I'm not sure if they get to a point in the process where they change their mind.

I believe in all situations there is a last attempt where the person looks for a reason not to (intentional) or for help (Accidental).

So here is the question that bothers me, what stops them from reaching out to others?  Is it us (the family and friends) or the person? Are we so wrapped up in our thoughts or our lives that when the person comes to us for that help, we miss it.  People are then left behind remembering certain events where they could've intervened or should've intervened.  Some even have have strong vibes that they need to reach out to someone but then life happens and they move forward with the nagging feeling that they should've done something.

So what now?  As the song says, "stay woke!" If you have a family member or friend who you know isn't doing well and they reach out for help; go see them, answer the call, ask how THEY are doing, LISTEN, let them know how much they mean to you. Ask them to have coffee or breakfast or something with you, if I make plans with you I'm less likely to kill myself.  Be patient with them.

We have to get better with loving and taking care (emotionally) of one another, no one in a family or circle of friends should feel alone. Particularly now since our country is so divided. We have to stay close to one another. I'm not saying allow others to take advantage of you, if someone only contacts you for money or claims to need someone to talk to and always wants it to be at a restaurant, they are in the midst of hustling you.  Offer to have them over or to come to them, if they decline...you're  being hustled. A person in need will allow someone who cares to help them at any cost.

I pray that none of you (readers) find yourself or a family member/friend in this situation.

The national suicide prevention number is 800-273-8255. Be blessed.