The Ugly Truth We All Need to Be Talking About

Depression.

A word made up of ten letters that carries insurmountable pain and sadness to those inflicted.
A word that so many treats as something dirty and unwanted, sweeping it under the rug and out of sight.
A word that has hit home for the entire world this week with the news of fashion icon Kate Spade and restauranteur Anthony Boudain’s death.

As high profile as their deaths are to the world, there are many others who will never make the headlines when they take their own life. Countless people each day lose their battle with depression, sadness, or mental illness, taking their own lives and leaving people behind who will never understand to pick up the pieces.  Left behind with few answers, and so many questions as to whether or not they could have prevented losing them. The short answer is never definitive. So often those who are considering suicide struggle in silence.

Suicide is an epidemic and trend that we, as society, are faced with more and more each day.  It’s an ugly truth that no one wants to talk about, but that ends here. If we don't talk about it, the epidemic will continue at a relentless pace.  Now is not the time to keep to the shadows and speaking about the darkness and sadness in murmured whispers. We need to #getloud and seek out those who may be battling in silence.   I beg of you to seek help. Open up to a friend, a counselor, a minister, or even a stranger.  The darkness of the world is filled with pain, but please find an outlet before considering taking your life. There are people who who may lean on your that you may never know until it's too late. 

I want to close today by sharing information about where you can seek help.  It’s a phone call away, and I hope that if you’re reading this and have thought about committing suicide that you will call not only for yourself, but for those you may be leaving behind.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Phone Number: 1-800-273-8255
Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/