We lost my brother to suicide when I was 15. He was only 20 years old & had just come out to me the year prior. One of my biggest regrets is that we never got to know each other as openly queer.
I, myself, have contemplated suicide many times since. Somehow his loss has seemingly encouraged me power through. I guess I know what it feels to be left behind, so that is what encourages me to #keepgoing for those around me. When my urge to not talk to anyone is at an all time high, I know that’s the exact moment I need to talk to someone. It’s in those very moments that I reach out to my partner, my best friends, my close family, or even my therapist.
I share this in honor of #NationalSuicidePreventionWeek. Remember to check in with yourself, take care of your mental health the same way you would your physical, and most importantly, have real conversations with those around you.
If you are ever in need of a resource, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention was a huge resource to my family and has been close to my heart ever since.
