September marks Suicide Prevention Month. While this month has grown in its acceptance and the stigma around events and awareness is lessening, the call for action has never been greater. NAMI (www.nami.org), the National Association of Mental Illnesses, reports that about one in five adults experiences a mood or anxiety disorder in any given year. Very Well Health (https://www.verywellhealth.com) shares the staggering realities that, on a daily basis, countless people are struggling with their own deep sadness and dark thoughts. Statistics show that while far fewer may act on these thoughts, simply knowing that most people are all carrying something heavy means we need to try and create lighter spaces for each other, and even ourselves. When we create healthier spaces for thinking, feeling, sharing and just being, we create gateways for healing.

Depression can start in shallow waters and before you know it, it runs deep, and often lies in a bed of secrecy, or even the unknown. Feelings of worthlessness, crushing fatigue that doesn’t end, persistent feelings of dread and fearful thoughts can start to compound one’s life. Anxiety can also release the flood gates of these emotions taking them to levels that feel unbearable. People who felt they could tread the waters of their emotions can soon feel like they are sinking or can’t catch a break. It’s important to note that these are symptoms that are treatable like many other conditions and are not signs of weakness. Normalizing empathy and compassion for others and self when we are feeling any type of symptom is the first step towards healing.

People commonly tell themselves that, “When this, I will feel that.” Such as, “When I have enough money, I feel better.”  “When I get a new job, I will feel happier.” We come up with many solutions that we can’t control that aren’t treatments for the actual symptoms. If we’re honest, we could see that no amount of money, fame or even the perfect body can keep us from riding the waves of our emotions, even familiar and famous faces contend these battles of depression and thoughts of harm and not only survive but thrive. Grammy-winning artist Doechii shared in a People.Com article how relentless bullying in sixth grade pushed her into despair. It wasn’t until a shift in perspective that she found her gateway to healing, “ending my life would only hurt me, not them.” Through her faith and self-empowerment, she found her gateway towards healing, and it sparked a powerful choice to not only stay alive but to become an amazing entertainer, and inspiring survivor.

Actor Ryan Guzman, most famous for his long running role on  9‑1‑1, says his own brush with self‑destruction transformed his life. His interview with Entertainment Weekly (www.ew.com) shares how he now urges others, especially men, to reject toxic toughness, to lean into supportive relationships, and to make each day forward count.

Some people may also remember in 2000, Kevin Hines, who survived after he leaped from the Golden Gate Bridge. He now is a motivational speaker, and advocate, telling audiences nationwide that when darkness wins the moment, it doesn’t have to win your story. He shares about his life, journey towards healing and many resources at: https://kevinhinesstory.com/

What can we learn from these brave humans? Survival can lead to purpose and there is always a way towards healing! No matter if you are feeling slightly depressed or even if you are at your lowest of lows. If someone is struggling right now—or you simply want to learn more, to help a friend or family member, there are many resources locally that can help:

  • The Front Porch:  a mental‑health urgent care, open 24/7 for adults and families seeking help now—no appointment needed. Located at: 235 Lakemont Road, Newport City, VT    802-624-4016
  • NKHS (Newport Office): call 802‑334‑6744 for support tailored to our region Northeast Kingdom Human Services.
  • Dial 988: the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available anywhere in the U.S., free and confidential.

If you are wondering how you can take action now? Or you want to talk to someone, and you just don’t know how to get started. Here is a suggestion we came up with, the CARE method:

C – Connect by Name  “Hey Mary…”
Start by using their name. Make it personal. It lets them know this is about them, not just a generic check-in.

A – Ask Gently   “How are you, really?”
Don’t rush past the question. Be calm, direct, and give them space to answer honestly. If they deflect, try again with kindness.

R – Reflect What You Hear “That sounds really hard.”
Acknowledge their feelings. You don’t need to fix it, and shouldn’t try to fix it, just let them know you’re listening and that their pain is valid.

 

E – Encourage Support: “I’m here for you, and there’s help if you need it.”
Suggest talking to someone—whether it’s you, a trusted adult, or a professional. Offer to go with them if they’re nervous about reaching out.

Emotions can feel really big at times, and like a lonely path. Talk can also be cheap if there isn’t enough to support it. Don’t be someone who just wears the ribbon or shares the posts about Suicide Prevention Month. Sure that helps, but to be even more brave, pick up the phone, share a story, check in with someone, check in with yourself and always reach out for help. Being part of a community means we can pivot together and create spaces that feel safe, light and welcome people to ride the waves of this life in the bright times and the darker times. This September let’s all do our part to support each other and ourselves to take action towards what we need to keep ourselves healthy, safe and alive. No one is too far gone and every single life matters. There is always a gateway to healing!

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