A Open Letter to Those Thinking About Committing Suicide – Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The past couple of years have been tough. People feel isolated. There's hatred on social media. Politics have been divisive. People are having trouble covering basic costs such as food, heat and medicine. All have combined to cause some people to consider that suicide is the only option. I'm here to tell you that is absolutely NOT TRUE!

Photo Chris Popper

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. Or in Maine you can call 9-8-8. 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 people. Don't be the next!

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