No I don’t know Tyler, and have no idea why a successful,
popular young man thinks something is so horrible he can’t recover from it.
Don’t know if it was a relationship, illness, social media, bullies, public
embarrassment, being a burden, or afraid of the future. Fear is a powerful
motivation.
He is not alone, nor is it a young man’s disease. Per AFPS.org
Middle age men 45-54 have the highest suicide rate, followed by senior men over
85. Nor are they alone, 44,965 people die every year. For every death, there
are 25 attempts. More men die, and more women try to die. The rate has been
increasing over the last 10 years.
Nor is suicide the only symptom in our society. Drug
addiction and overdoses are rising. Over 600,000 people died of overdoses, and
the rate has been increasing for 16 years per the CDC. No one know how many
overdoses are suicides versus accidental if they don’t leave a note.
Most people who try suicide really don’t want to die. Reports
from Golden Gate jumpers have reactions like “I made a mistake” and “I want to
live.” These people wanted someone to talk about their problems, to know
problems could be fixed, or to just feel love or understanding.
Treatments of metal health issues are not working. Not
enough people are identified soon enough. If someone wants treatment, there are
not enough beds. The stigma of admitting you have a problem stops people from
asking for help. Michael Phelps the gold medal swimmer contemplated suicide
after the 2012 Olympics and his 2014 DUI arrest due to depression and anxiety.
Fortunately he got help and is now speaking out to others to get help.
What can we do? Pay attention when someone changes his or
her behavior drastically. Don’t be afraid to bring it up. Remind them we all
have bad days and trials in our lives. Have had to overcome bad years, bad
business decisions, and bad relationships in my life. Am not alone.
The main thing people in stress do is focus on their
problems. Thinking about the people who care about us, respect us and love us
are the antidote to issues. Spend time helping someone. Play with children in
your life. Smile and greet people even when you don’t feel like it. Acting as
if you are well is often a great step forward.
We have to look out for our outlook on life, and we have
to look out for family, friends, co-workers and loved ones with challenges. Let
them know you care. Remind them daily. And if they are still struggling, get
them to professional help. Therapy with medication is successful 9 out of 10
times getting people healthy. If the
first therapist doesn’t fit with you, try another until you succeed. Do what
you can where you are. And know we love you.
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