SUICIDE: Listen to them

After the recent suicides, I’ve seen some really dumb people commenting on posts through Facebook.

Some people are saying not to use the word “suicide” when talking about those who take their own lives. They want everyone to say “passed away by their own hands,” or one even said “killed themselves because they couldn’t handle life.” What?

We, as a community, need to be more caring and listen closely to how people talk!

I myself have had to use the #Suicide Hotline.

I had to use it because when certain friends and family found out I was having problems, they said this: ”I’m busy. Can we talk tomorrow or the next day?” Or “I don’t know what to say!”

Well I can tell you, these kind of words and actions that go with it will make people take their own lives.

Suicide can and does affect everyone of all ages, from teens who are bullied to elderly who are sick or can’t take care of themselves anymore.

Or in my case, guilt.

Living with things that have happened in your past, whether it’s something you did or someone did to you ... guilt kills slowly.

Please! Please listen to your friends and family — heck, even someone you don’t know.

Help support them with a shoulder to cry on, an arm to hold them and an ear to listen to them.

We, as a society, must learn to love others more than material things.

Things can last, yes. But will your child? Spouse, parents, friends, neighbor?

CHRISTINE ALLEN

Suicide Survivor

Coeur d’Alene

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255