Imagine a world with no more suicides, no more bullying, and everything is positive. In reality we know this can never be possible, but that doesn't mean we can't take a stand to decrease these problems. The suicide rate of all ages have dramatically increased since 2014. The only age group that was not affected were the men and women over 75. When I read these statistics, all I can think is Why? We can't say every suicide case is the same, nor can we pretend to know what that particular person was thinking at the time of suicide.
What can we do? We can educate our younger generation on self- image and the harsh reality of bullying. Teach your kids early in life that not everything is always going to peachy. Hard times come to everyone, but that does not mean you are alone. Stop walking out of your kids lives and start encouraging them to try harder! Take a look at your family. Are they genuinely happy? Do you eat dinner together as a family and share stories about your day, or do you even know which friend your child is with tonight?
Do you spend the day with your family and make the best of everything even if it's just a trip to the local grocery store? Make life fun, and encourage positive encouragement everywhere you go. Smile at the random stranger walking past you in the store, or compliment someones outfit. I realize this is hard, but every time you go into Walmart do not say something negative about that awful get-up that stranger dared to come out of the house in.
Am I blaming parents for bullying and suicide? Of course not! I am simply saying a better home life can make or break a child. Depending on the child some need more attention than others. Know your kids and be involved with their lives no matter how old they are. As a college student I can honestly say I crave the attention I used to get when I lived at home. The weird conversations at dinner, the weekly trips to eat Mexican after church, and most of all the good night hugs and kisses.
"Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8:
Words cut deeper than swords therefore let's encourage one another to stop picking at each other, stop hating one another because they do not share the same beliefs we do, and love one another despite our differences.
Teach your children there will always be someone smarter, better looking, and just better in general, but also remind them they will also be better looking, smarter, and just better in general than someone else. Teach them to be humble when they are better at these things, and embrace it when they aren't the top dog. Teach your children to love themselves and everyone around them. Remember, you don't necessarily have to like someone to love them, and it takes a village to raise a child. Loving each other is the greatest revolution we could ever start!
Shannon, my loving sister, this article is for you, beautiful. I'm so glad I can still communicate with you and share encouragement to you through the good times and the bad. To the numerous suicide attempts she made -- guess what? She won and continues to win every day as her faith grows stronger and her addictions grow weaker.
