Over the weekend, I attended a Fire Department Walkthrough (a silent procession of fire and police personnel solemnly walking past and saluting the casket during a visitation). It was for a local Firefighter/Paramedic (FFPM) who had taken his own life. The young FFPM left a wife and young kids.
This tragedy is not isolated. Nationwide, in 2018 (most recent data available), there were more firefighter suicides than Line of Duty Deaths (heart attacks, firefighting at structure fires, responding to emergency calls, actions at water rescue, structural collapse, trench rescue, high angle rescue, etc.). If that’s not a call for action, I don’t know what is.
All of us carry burdens of some kind (PTSD, loss, stress, frustrations, anger, depression, etc.) that can be overwhelming. Coping skills and a support system (family, friends, spirituality, mental health professionals) are needed during difficult times. Given a set of circumstances, we can end up in a dark place, a mindset of despair, depression and hopelessness. This is a roadmap to possible tragedy.
What can we do for family, friends, co-workers to hopefully avoid tragedy? We can observe and monitor for signs of changed behavior. Examples: 1) An outgoing person who suddenly becomes withdrawn or isolates from others, or a quiet person who suddenly becomes social. 2) Out of character bursts of anger, happiness, sadness, depression. 3) Increases or decreases in sleep. 4) Increases in alcohol consumption. 5) Out of control behavior (addiction – drugs, alcohol, overeating, not eating, gambling, spending, sex, etc.). 6) Increase in risk taking behavior. 7) Signs that terminal decisions have been made (giving away cherished possessions, “Good-bye” communications).
For the person having struggles – Please Ask For Help We are human, we are vulnerable. It’s ok to ask for help.
For family, friends, co-workers who see that something is going on with someone, ask them directly: 1) What’s going on? 2) Are you ok? 3) Are you thinking of suicide? If family or friends have concerns, share them with other family and friends to see if they share concerns. If nothing else, this gives others reason to monitor and observe. Regarding co-workers, share concerns with the co-workers supervisor. In all cases, share concerns in a timely manner, like ASAP. Waiting until next week may be too late.
One more suicide is too many.
“Am I my brother’s (and sister’s) keeper?” (Genesis 4:9) Yes, we need to watch out for each other, and be willing to step up for our brothers and sisters in their time of need…
#HelpPreventSuicideNow