On January 1, 2018, Logan Paul uploaded a video of himself and some friends visiting the Aokigahara Forest in Japan. The Aokigahara Forest is also known as the “suicide forest” due to the high number of people that go there to take their own lives.
While filming, Paul noticed the body of someone who had hung himself. While the victim’s face was blurred out, he still had the nerve to show his purple hands, zoom in on his pockets and even laugh about what he saw.
I do not want to make this about Logan Paul because, in all honesty, he doesn't deserve another view, like, comment or even the light of day. However, I will say that I'm glad that so many people, even big names like Jeffree Star, called him out.
What I do want to talk about is the serious topic of suicide, mental illness and depression. I want to do my part to raise awareness.
The most disgusting and disturbing thing to me about this whole ordeal is the fact that a majority of Paul’s following are children or young teenagers. Some of them aren't even old enough to fully grasp the idea of suicide or mental illness.
Someone out there as young as 10 to 13 was exposed to a horrific sight that no person that young should ever be exposed to.
I'd like to take a moment to use my platform to fully disclaim that there is nothing funny about suicide. There is nothing funny about someone who had lost all hope that things will ever get better so they feel like death is their only option.
Therefore, it should never be portrayed as something comical.
I don't care how old you are, if you are reading this, and you're having thoughts on ending your own life, please know that you matter, you are important, cherished and loved. There are people who will crawl to the ends of the Earth for you.
There is someone whose life would be entirely different if you weren't in it. You would be surprised by how many people you have touched, by either being a good friend or simply smiling and waving at them on the street.
Don't ever make yourself believe you haven't impacted someone.
If Paul made the video to ACTUALLY RAISE AWARENESS of suicide and depression, I wouldn't be sitting here writing this. But he did absolutely nothing except make suicide look like a joke to his huge following of children.
Keep in mind that there are 10-year-olds that are taking their lives now. Which makes it even more important that we all do our part in making this world a better and safer place for everyone.
If you have a friend who you know is dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts, please reach out to them. Let them know that there is hope and that they can get help.
Encourage them to see a professional or at least talk to someone who is trustworthy.
Once again, if you're dealing with those things yourself, I promise, there is hope for you too just as much as there is for another human being.
That's why we have the suicide hotline. Regardless of your age, they're there to help anyone and everyone 24/7. That's what they are trained to do.
In 2018, let's all try to be kinder to one another. You never know what someone is going through beneath the surface.
