September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. September 5 through September 11 is Suicide Prevention Week. World Suicide Prevention Day is today, September 10.
Here are some numbers if you are having thoughts of suicide or you are in crisis or you are concerned about someone who is. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE IN CRISIS TO REACH OUT FOR HELP. If you are experiencing depression, sadness, stress, or anxiety, or you are worried about a friend or family member who is, you can call these numbers and get assistance in finding the right resource for your needs.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text Hello to 741741
YouthLine: Text teen2teen to 839863, or call 1-877-968-8491
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: call or text 1-800-422-4453
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Text “START” to 88788 or call 1-800-799-7233
National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-855-812-1001
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-4673
The Trevor Project for LGBTQIA+ kids and teens: 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
Trans Lifeline for transgender and questioning callers: 1-877-565-8860 [available between 7 a.m. and 1 a.m. PST (9 a.m. to 3 a.m. CST or 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. EST), but operators are often available during off-hours, so no matter when you need to call, you should.]
A few other LGBTQIA helplines that offer support, but not necessarily crisis intervention:
LGBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743
LGBT Senior Hotline: 1-888-234-7243
For any kind of emergency situation related to drug or alcohol use, you should call 911 or your local emergency line.
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357: If you are struggling with addiction or are concerned about a loved one’s alcohol or drug abuse, you can contact the hotline for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This US government agency offers support and information about treatment and recovery.call 911 or your local emergency line.
This information was compiled from a C|Net Health and Wellness webpage.
Becky,
I have just spent the last hour of my day rereading all the posts about Aaron you have written. I have used a box of tissues and I am sure that my eyes are all but swollen shut, but I need you to know how much I love having the ability to read about him. I love the memories, the garden the pictures.
I still have not been able to even open his scrapbooks that I made for him so that he would have all his baby pictures to show his children some day. I didn’t know that I could love someone as much as I loved him, as each night I would rush home on the freeway to see him before he skipped out on me to spend time with his friends. I always secretly hoped he would stay home with me, but he was a teenager.
I can never remember how old he would have been on each birthday as he is still 18 to me. Although it has been 9 years since I lost him my heart still bleeds. I didn’t know that there was a sorrow so painful that it should have taken me too. I’m still not sure how I survived it physically, let alone emotionally.
I know how much you loved him and he you. He was so proud of his Aunt the “author”. He would make his plans with you and Tom and then let me know. He didn’t want to take the chance that I would say no. He loved playing games with you on the phone and would show me the pictures he made that you were to guess. He was not an artist so I understood but he knew what it was, so it always stunned him if you couldn’t figure it out. He loved family so much and although he was able to spend more time with my side of the family I think he still loved you the most. No, I know he did.
Love you,
Lisa
Lisa, I love you so much. I read every word you wrote. You, Aaron, the memories, and your words mean so much to me. I know healing is a long, painful journey. Know that so many of us love Aaron, remember him, and love you for giving him to us. Always.
Nice one.
❤️