Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Illness, Depression, Anxiety, Suicidal Thinking

Hey everyone,

This is a sad subject, but I've found so much help here that I decided to share my most recent Facebook note with you all.

Love and respect, Erica

thank you for that.

being a teacher, i have a lot of "kids" in my care. yes, they are late teens and early 20s, and in some ways young adults, but in other ways, "my kids". a few have come to me to discuss depression. a few to discuss suicidal thoughts. thus far, have not lost anyone. and i don't plan to on my watch. but yes, it is scary. its good to know (from you) what can up the chances of not losing any of these young people.

but mostly just remember the following:

"I love you and don’t want you to die"

and whenever you need extra support, remember i'm just a few strokes of your keyboard away!

Thank you my friend.

Erica, I know you're heart breaks everyday from your loss, I'm touched and amazed by your dedication to get the message out to other families...big hugs and much love to you, my friend...

Michelle

the one thing that struck me was your description of the calm that comes with the decision. that never occurred to me before. at first, you are correct, that sounds the opposite of what one might expect. but then, it sounds like making other decisions: a lot of anxiety into making a decision, but once a decision is made, a sense of calm. its good to know that in some ways, one can relate more than one realized.

its also good to know that talking about it is the best thing to do. as you said, there are some subjects that are taboo. but the not talking about it is the problem. and often we feel awkward, not knowing what to say. thanks for letting us know how to act, in order to perhaps one day save a life.

Hugs on the pain of losing a child. And hugs for trying to make something good come from such pain. You may never know who may be touched....know that you probably have saved a life from your effort.

20 years ago after reading "Why Suicide"; I approached the college where I was a student and also had a very active ministry on campus = 30 young men and women. I wanted to do a one hour credit on this subject, but the dean kind of laughed me off, and said something about it lacking prestige.
Of the things I am proud of, one would be the times I have used to lift up the souls of young men and women and give them hope. But the opposite is also true, I have a few disappointments where, I did not take the time or the right approach!

This is important because it places us in God's Grace, before He calls us. Good thing He loves us, ey?

Thanks again. Let's use our sadness to resolve to make a difference!!!

Erica, thank you for posting this. Suicide is something that needs to be talked about, it can't be kept quiet.

In the summer of 2010 I have a bad bout of anxiety. For a week I couldn't eat because of it. During this week I planned my death, I didn't want to live anymore. I had struggled with these thoughts for at least three years and I finally hit my breaking point.
My uncle had committed suicide when I was little, I saw how it affected my mom. I did not want her to go through that again. I didn't want any of my family to have to go through that. So I told my mom that I did not want to live.

The most important thing when you are thinking suicidal thoughts, or even just thoughts of hurting yourself, is tell someone. Anyone. Step up and save yourself, don't wait on someone to save you. Most of the time people around you don't have a clue what you are going through. So speak up. Save a life.

becca,
thanks for posting and talking to us.

I know about depression too. Erica is a leader for many of us.

Is there anything specific that helped?

Your friend,
Lon

Thank you Erica. So helpful for myself and those I come into contact with! You are amazing.