Suicide Awareness Month, September, stands tall in many lives. Almost everyone you know has a story of their own. Whether it’s losing someone to suicide, having suicidal thoughts themselves, or just hearing stories down the grapevine, each is significant. Every year that this month rolls around, we hear the same phrases: Your life matters. You matter. At some point, these phrases just become words we hear and not words that make an impact. Just because we become accustomed to these reminders does not mean they are not true.
I vividly remember the day I lost one of my fellow classmates. Even though it did not happen while attending Brandon High, I still see him everywhere in these halls. When we were younger, we rode the bus together. He tended to eat his lunch with a book open at the side of his tray when we were in the cafeteria. Small actions like these are reminders of the life my community lost.
Although he passed away when I was much younger, my mom concealed the truth of how he did. No mother wants to tell their kid that someone they knew passed away to suicide- no matter the age. It was my Sophomore year when I chose to search for his mom on FaceBook. When I saw that familiar blue and purple ribbon you see every September for Suicide Awareness, it felt like I was experiencing the loss all over again.
We were never close, but I think of him almost every day. Even when you believe your life is not significant, someone you may consider a stranger may look for you on the bus or in the cafeteria. Life is all about the impact we have on each other, and during times like this, I believe we can all strive to have a positive one.
As someone who struggled with the idea of suicide herself, not a day goes by where I regret my decision to stick around. Even in small moments, there is always something to cherish.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, reach out to a loved one who can help carry your struggles. If you’re struggling to find someone, know that the hotline 988 is always open to either text or call.