ADDRESSING SUICIDE

What should you do if you suspect someone you know is considering suicide? Without a doubt you should address it with them. There have been a great number of studies done showing that asking someone if they are thinking about suicide will not put the idea into their head. If you don’t have a comfortable way to start that conversation just start with a simple question, “Are you or have you considered harming yourself?”  Trust your gut, you will have noticed a change that made you believe that was possible. It’s worth it, don’t hesitate. It won’t plant the seed; it will show that you care.

DON’T STOP THERE

If the answer confirms what you already suspected, don’t let the conversation end there. Don’t push but gently ask whether they’ve thought about a plan. Have they considered the timing or the way they might hurt themselves? And do they have access to anything that would allow them to act on those thoughts?

When someone has moved from thinking about self-harm to planning and having the means to carry it out, the risk is much higher. In those moments, it’s important to seek help immediately. Call 988 or text 988 and tell them what you know.

HIGHEST SUICIDE RATE IN HISTORY

The highest rate of suicides in the U.S. was reached during the Great Depression, in the year of 1932 at a rate of 22 per 100,000. While our current rate is only 14 per 100,000. Sounds great? Wrong, at our current rate of suicide attempts, without our modern-day technology and equipment, it is believed our current suicide rate would be much higher than the Depression Era, and closer to 300 per 100,000. One of the factors is that overdoses have been recently removed from the suicide rate.

NEVER TOO YOUNG

Stay alert, even our middle school children, ages 10-14 have their own set of suicide statistics, hitting approximately 2.5 per 100,000. Suicide is part of the reality many young people are aware of, and it is often discussed within that age group. Most will know at least one close friend or family member who has been affected by it. Treat it the same way you would a chat with your teenager about drug use. Speak with clarity, confidence and the courage to follow up on the conversation, no matter where it leads. Make sure that your young ones understand that keeping a friend’s or sibling’s plan for a suicide secret is not safe.

AT MY HOUSE

In our home, many of the warning signs were present; suicidal thoughts, past attempts, and indications that a plan had formed. There was a family history of suicide, mental illness, and substance abuse was an ongoing reality in the household. Faith had long faded into the background, and over time the weight of these struggles became overwhelming, ultimately ending in suicide.

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

I now know that the best help you can give someone that is dealing with a suicide of someone they knew and loved is to get them involved in being a part of the prevention plan for someone else. You can’t turn back time and magically be in a place where suicide does not exist, so find a way to get involved. Talk with, lift up and pray for those dealing with post suicides, or in the midst of planning their own. Approximately 135 Americans die by suicide every day, 22 of those would be veterans.

You may never know or find out that you saved a life until you get those confirmations in heaven. But don’t stop trying. Be the difference!!!

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**Reach out to me at any time. 

I am not only willing, but I also look forward to taking a share of your pain. Email: David@bondedabrotherslove.com. You will get a caring same day response.

Nothing scripted.   

You are not alone, and you matter.

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If You’re Struggling

If you or someone you love or know is in a dark place, please know you’re not alone and there is help available. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are people ready to listen, ready to walk with you, and ready to help.

Immediate assistance is available:

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline  

📞 988

Veterans Crisis Line  

📞 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) | 📱 Text 838255

Survivor Support / Crisis Group  

🌐 https://www.crisishotline.org  📞 832-416-1177

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💡 If you know someone who needs to hear that they are not alone, share this story. Together, we can create echoes of hope that outlast the pain.

For more than five decades, I carried this story in silence. Silence nearly broke me, but telling it is what keeps hope alive.

Bonded: A Brother’s Love : One Bullet. A Thousand Echoes my hope is that it offers understanding, connection, and even a reason to hold on when life feels unbearable.

📖 Order your copy today and join me in breaking the silence. Together we can spread hope, honor the lost, and change the future.