An alert “06880” reader writes:
On Sunday I attended my first “Out of the Darkness” event. Over 550 people went to Sherwood Island, for an important cause: raising awareness of, and preventing, suicide.
Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death in adults, and the 2nd leading cause in children.
Over the past year here, many of us have been affected by the loss of someone we know, by their own hand. Included in this list is a teenager, and a police officer.
Sherwood Island State Park, last Sunday.
After the recent suicides in Westport, I was impacted personally and strongly. I suffer from deep depressive episodes, during which I cannot see through the dark forest.
My episodes last 1 to 2 weeks at a time. But the severity increased over the last few years. Finally I could not take the pain and suffering any longer.
A couple of months ago, I attempted suicide, by overdosing on medication. I landed in the hospital. Fortunately, I survived.
Many do not.
It’s hard to deal with the reality that I tried to kill myself. The reason I did not succeed is because someone saw the signs, and called 911. That saved my life.
Fast forward several weeks. I stood with hundreds of other people here in Westport, shining a light on this important cause.
Everyone was there for a different reason. Some lost loved ones to suicide; others lost friends or colleagues. Some suffer with depression, and need the support of those around them.
Some actually attempted suicide, but survived.
You may be aware of someone right now in your life who is suffering, and in so much pain that they want to take their own life.
Be the voice! #stopsuicide
Ask. Call. Help. Support. Love.
