With the recent suicide of Chris Lighty, comes, one again, that Black Make suicide is on the rise. You can't turn on a radio, a tv, or your computer without seeing it. It's a really sad thing when anyone, regardless of race, feels that the only solution/alternative to their life's issues are ending their life.
I feel, in the Black community, it brings up a few bigger issues.
WHO CAN/DOES THE "GO TO" GUY FEEL HE CAN GO TO WHEN HE NEEDS TO TALK OR IN NEED OF SOME THERAPEUTIC VENTING? WHO IS HIS SUPPORT SYSTEM?
DO SOME OF US NEED TO GET OVER THE IDEA OF SPEAKING TO A THIRD PARTY (PSYCHOLOGIST, CLERGY, ANALYST, LIFE COACH, ETC.) ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS IS UNACCEPTABLE, RIDICULOUS, WACK ,AND JUST NOT AN OPTION?
Just "living" or maintaining in this state of the world we live in today is difficult enough, now add in prejudice, injustice, unemployment, recession, and racism, all while trying to keep stay afloat and keep your head above water. Some just feel they aren't built for it and all the emotions that go with it. They have certain coping mechanisms. Some look to their higher power and combat it spiritually. Some turn alcohol and/or drugs to numb the pain. Some just ignore it until it becomes to hot to handle and all those emotions and frustrations explode. They become that "ticking time bomb". And then there are those, like Chris Lighty, who commit suicide.
It's very sad, because you never know if a conversation, prayer, or a little bit of counsel, would have made the difference in a situation. It leaves the family and loved ones left behind with many unanswered questions and sometimes guilt.
I do feel, that speaking to that third party (therapy, psychologist, psychiatrist, clergy, etc.) will sometimes make the difference. They are an impartial opinion, who is on the outside looking into a situation and may provide insight that a person in a situation/problem just cannot see for themselves.
Also it may shed light to other issues that may need addressing. Some people do not have coping skills to handle situations because of clinical issues. THIS IS NOT THEIR FAULT. There is something chemically going in, that needs to be addressed. Sometimes without clinical help there is no way out. DEPRESSION is a real illness/condition. PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) is another. It's quite common and can be set off or brought on by the slightest things. (deaths in families/communities soldiers in war, any traumatic experience past or present) Let's be real, Black people, not just males have and do suffer a lot of experiences that could possibly bring on depression and PTSD.
It's time to not be afraid or stubborn, Please recognize, and seek the help that is needed. It doesn't make you less of man or woman, for that matter. You are not weak. If anything it will only make you a stronger person.
For me, the recent suicides, make me come to the realization that we all need to be more cognizant and compassionate of others. You just never know what the next person is going thru, or what pain and suffering they are feeling. Like I say sometimes, "look out for your brother man and the other man" ;-)
The man with the weight of the world on his shoulder will only stay standing for so long.... SUPPORT IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE NEEDED!
RIP CHRISTOPHER LIGHT
RIP DON CORNELUIS
RIP TO ANYONE MALE/FEMALE, RACE, WHATEVER WHO HAVE COMMITTED SUICIDE.
PRAYERS AND LOTS OF LOVE TO THEIR FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES LEFT BEHIND HURT WITH UNANSWERED QUESTIONS.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OF SUICIDE AND SUICIDE PREVENTION, HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT LINKS:
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE (24 HOURS)
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
CDC (Centers of Disease Control & Prevention) - SUICIDE/VIOLENCE PREVENTION PAGE
http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide/
800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
New Hours of Operation:
8am-8pm ET/
Monday-Friday
Closed Holidays
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