Rickey Lynn

On Suicide Prevention

A young person I know recently told me that "life sucks" and she wanted to end it all. I couldn't believe my ears. Here was a 13 or 14 year old with their entire life ahead of them telling me they wanted to check out. I put everything else on hold so I could spend uninterrupted time with her. Yes, she had her share of problems in life and with her family, but what she needed most was someone to talk to. I spent hours talking to her, and fortunately, she's still alive and unhurt today. I told her something that was told to me years ago when I felt the same way: "When you hurt yourself, the only person's you are hurting are those who love you the most!" When anyone tells you that they want to check out early, it's time to sit back and start listening. It's usually a cry for help, which if it goes unheeded too long, may result in their success and your loss.

posted by Rickey Lynn @ 7:46 PM