I will start out by apologizing for the one word that my computer program tells me “may be offensive to your readers”. The title is meant to inform you of the article content and illicit a response to entice you to read it. I certainly hope suicide is not the word you find offensive.
September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness of this urgently important crisis. This month is used to shift public perception, spread hope, and share vital information to people affected by suicide. The goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help. I think every day of every month should highlight suicide prevention and destigmatize the topic of suicide.
Rather than provide general facts about suicide prevention and awareness, I am going to reshare a personal story.
Thanks to my best friend, fellow Marine, and good looks and intimidating are only a few of the physical characteristics that are nothing in comparison to his wit, humor, kindness, and compassion. I cannot recall a time he did not have a smile on his face.
On Wednesday, August 14, 2013, at the age of 46, Bruce died of suicide. After 11 years, the shock, sorrow and anger still run deep. I would like Bruce’s story, his life and death, to be one of hope and not of despair. The hope that it serves to inform and inspire someone to ask for help or ask if someone needs help.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Dial: 988
Text: 988
Chat: https://chat.988lifeline.org/
Veterans Crisis Line
Dial: 988 then press 1
Text: 838255
Chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/
Do not be ashamed to ask for assistance or ask if someone needs assistance. You have the strength to ask for or provide help. Talk to someone, share your thoughts, be a lifeline… There is hope.
Programming note, the Lake County Veterans Services office will be closed September 16 – 18 (Monday – Wednesday) for training.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
