My Brother's Keeper

In today’s social networking society, we should be more connected, but maybe we are not.  Yeah, I can looking online and see pictures of my friends’ babies and wedding updates, but can I really know when my friends are hurting from a status update?

I am struggling a bit with the creativity of this writing, so I’m going to break every writing rule and just tell you the main point of this post.  It’s about suicide, and friends don’t let friends commit suicide.  As many of you guys know, I work with high school and college students, and it’s amazing to me how many of them struggle with suicide.   And so many adults that I know have also considered suicide as a viable option, and it breaks my heart.

I recently read an essay about from one of my students.  His brother committed suicide and he explained the guilt that he felt as a brother. Where there signs? Could I have done something?  Could I have said something?  Should I have intervened?  My advice to him has been to remember his brother, honor him in everything that you do, and vow to never let another person struggle in silence.

So that is my charge to you.  Don’t just let status updates be your only contact with people.  Reach out.  Take some time, and make some phone calls.  Listen and when you hear people thinking about taking the final step, don’t let them do it.  If they do, you should rest knowing that you did everything that was humanly possible.  Life is meant to be lived, and we all go through struggles that seem insurmountable.  So, share your story with others.  Listen and be empathetic, and offer resources.   Go to counseling with your friend, and don’t let them walk alone.  We are our brother’s keeper.