To My Friend Who Committed Suicide
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

To My Friend Who Committed Suicide

Suicide is a symptom of untreated mental illness, just as death is a symptom of a terminal illness, and it’s time to end the stigma.

1271
To My Friend Who Committed Suicide
Pexels

Tuesday, October 10 was World Mental Health Day. The World Federation for Mental Health, a mental health organization recognized in more than 150 countries, created World Mental Health Day in 1992 as a way to raise awareness, educate, and fight the stigmas surrounding mental illness.

World Mental Health Day is a very important day to me. In 2015, I lost a friend to suicide. There were a few warning signs, but when you’re 16, you don’t think much of them. We didn’t see your on and off drinking or the depressing comments that you’d make every so often as anything more than teenage angst.

I’m sorry that we didn’t see certain behaviors as indicators of an underlying problem. We thought that you were just unhappy with certain aspects of your life, and as wrong as we may have been, that that was just your way of coping. We didn’t realize that it meant anything serious, and I’m truly sorry for that. However, I also know that you wouldn’t want us to blame ourselves. I’ll admit, there are days where it’s hard not to blame myself, but I know I have to push those thoughts to the side.

To all of us, you were so kind, happy, funny, and full of life. You always knew how to make us laugh when we were feeling down, and I remember how much fun you were to be around. You were genuinely such a good person, and I miss you every day.

Last month would’ve marked your 20th birthday. My heart stops when I look at the calendar and realize that another year has passed without you. I miss you more and more as each year goes by.

I remember once during a rehearsal for our school play, you and I went outside to take pictures of the sunset. At your funeral, months later, I looked outside and there was one of the most beautiful sunsets I had ever seen. It was as if you were there with me. Sometimes now when I see pretty sunsets, my heart stops and I start to cry. They say time makes things easier, and it does, but not a day will go by where I don’t miss you.

As I sit here proofreading this, I’m beginning to cry. I miss you, your friends miss you, the community misses you, and most importantly, your family misses you. You were so kind, so smart, so sweet, so funny… you had so much going for you.

You taught me so much, and I can’t thank you enough. You showed me how worth it life truly is, even it can get rough and life doesn’t always go our way. You also taught me to be kind to everyone, even when I face rough times. I am so thankful to have had you in my life, even though it was only for a short time.

I can’t wait to see you again one day, I love and miss you terribly.

Love, your friends and family who would do anything to have you back.

Mental illness is NOT something to take lightly. It is not “just a phase,” or something someone grows out of. Just because you can’t see mental illness doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Suicide is a symptom of untreated mental illness, just as death is a symptom of a terminal illness, and it’s time to end the stigma.

Mental illness is in no way, shape, or form uncommon, even though one may think it to be. 18.5% of adults in the U.S. experience mental illness in a given year, and suicide is the third leading cause of death in those aged 10 to 24.

If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, here are some great resources:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
  • Crisis Call Center: (775) 784-8090 OR text "ANSWER" to 839863
  • Crisis Text Line: HOME to 741741
  • Carruth Center at West Virginia University: (304) 293-4431
  • Visit http://www.suicide.org/suicide-hotlines.html to find hotlines specific to your location or situation, or to learn more about suicide prevention.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56197
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36202
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958144
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

187872
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments