A Open Letter To Those Thinking of Committing Suicide

COVID-19 sucks. That's the nicest way I can describe it, and it's not using the words that I really want to use. Yesterday, I read of a sophomore football player at Brunswick High School in Maine that committed suicide. Spencer was 16 years old and wore number 66.

2020 has been a tough, tough, tough year. Actually  it's probably one of the toughest in a long, long, long time. The quarantining, the sense of isolation, the hatred on social media have all combined to cause some people to consider that suicide is the only option. I'm here to tell you that is absolutely NOT TRUE!

My heart breaks when I hear about another Mainer young or old who took their own life  It just pains me beyond breaking that you had reached a point where you felt there was no alternative and now for those who are left, to deal with the aftermath.

I know things are tough. I know you are in pain. Whether it's from a failed relationship, financial issues, bullying, shame over an act you may have or have not done, illness,  whatever, you may feel that there is no other alternative than to take your own life. I will tell you, you are WRONG!

Whatever the issue that you are facing, it is only temporary. Things will GET BETTER. It may not seem so, but it will get better. It may take time, and there may be continued hardships, but death is PERMANENT.

I beg of you to think of your family, friends and loved ones. They are going to be here, never fully understanding why you took your own life. Why you didn't reach out for help. Why you bottled up all the pain and frustration and felt that taking your own life was the only solution.

There are numerous resources for you to call if you feel that taking your own life is the only solution. Call the National Suicide Hotline any time, 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255. You can call 9-1-1. There is also the Maine Suicide State Hotline 1-888-568-1112. Call your priest, or clergy member. Talk to a counselor.  Reach out and talk to a teacher. You NEED to COMMUNICATE!

Please! We lose too many young people. Don't be the next!

If you wish to contribute to Spencer's funeral expenses, a Go Fund Me campaign has been set up HERE