Suicide and Caring for Self

I’m still thinking about a news story I read last week.

Pastor. Husband. Father. Christian. Leader and influencer. Mental health advocate. Commits suicide.

I’m not the only one still ruminating over this. I’ve seen quite a few blogs and commentaries. Everyone is processing their feelings. Even if you didn’t know the guy, he seemed like someone you could know. He could be your friend. He could be your pastor. He wanted to end his life so much so that he did.

My feelings on the matter are inconsequential. The true focus should be prayer for his family, his friends, and the community in which he served. Their lives are forever changed.

Still, I couldn’t shake it. It hit deep. It was like a call to action.

Let me preface this with, I am in the struggle. That pastor didn’t just remind me of people I know. He reminded me of me. I don’t remember much of my life without depression and anxiety. With a loving supportive family, the highest degree you can get in my field, and life-long friends, I still have days (weeks) I am dark and empty inside. So, I say that to say this…

We gotta take care of ourselves. It’s not optional any more.

And it’s not to say that he didn’t. Depression is a fight. It’s a battle just anything else. Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. However, the stakes are so high.

You know, we can get stuck in the motions of the everyday. You have to pay the bills and put food on the table. Maybe you’re the go-to guy. You’re the boss lady. You play your role. After all, you tell yourself, things will get better next week, next month, after the holidays, after you get that job or meet that someone.

But that’s not how this works.

Self-care is not a buzz word or millennial nonsense. It’s your survival in this harsh world. It’s your guard against the enemy and the forces that come against you. Chronic stress and feelings of being overwhelmed may be your predisposition, but it does not have to define you. You can fight back.

So, make that therapy appointment, and for the love of God (literally), take your meds. It’s not a cure all, but it’s a start. I’m a believer that when you start to seek help, help starts seeking you.

And if this isn’t you… First of all, wow, tell me what life’s like not managing your mental health all the time? Second, be nice. Show love. The least you can do may help someone when they need it the most.

~Jennifer.

To Write Love on Her Arms is an excellent resource for help. If you deal with feelings of depression, anxiety, desires to self-harm, go to their website. Also, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.