I was browsing Facebook the other day, and I read a post in a group for military suicide that scared me.
“I just want to end the pain tonight.”
It was posted the night before, 16 hour prior to me seeing it. A few people had commented with concern. They asked him to agree to not kill himself, but he didn’t respond.
I should have messaged him. I mean, this is what I’m here for, right? I don’t know who this guy is, but his post indicates that he is a suicide risk and that’s what my focus is. So, why haven’t I messaged him yet?
I know what I would say, right? I know how to respond. I can apply everything I have learned and help him mend. So, why haven’t I messaged him yet?
I waited. I waited for the right approach to come to me. But I picked a bad time to be strategic.
I went back to message him a few days later when I realized it didn’t matter what I said, but I couldn’t find his post.
Maybe he took it down – when he felt better or because the responses he received made him self-conscious. Maybe it’s buried beneath all of the new posts.
I hope he’s ok, but I’ll probably never know because I don’t remember his name.
It should have been a no-brainer to respond. This was a clear cry for help. But I wonder, how many other cries for help are there in my timeline that I don’t notice? My friends vent on Facebook all the time. They don’t mention suicide or hurting themselves explicitly, but that doesn’t mean the intent isn’t there. I don’t know when should I chime in with my concern. Will it be off-putting if I overestimate the severity of their crisis?
This stuff isn’t easy. Don’t let anyone tell you it is. I’m trying to make it less challenging for us, but I’ll be the first to admit it’s difficult.
I hope everyone who reads and listens to my material knows that I struggle too. I’m here to struggle with you. Email me: timlawson21@gmail.com. That’s the most efficient way to get ahold of me.
Please. Anytime you need to vent or complain about life, I’m willing to listen. I have my sounding board. She’s amazing. I’ll be yours if you need me to.