Back in February, I posted a longer blog post about where to find resources if you or someone you know needs some support. Today I want to float up the last paragraph of my "Dear Readers" letter that went out to the world yesterday, on the event of the publication of my debut novel The Ocean in Winter.
Here's the thing: we all have stress, pain, darkness, sadness, regret. My friend Marge says that emotions are good; God gave us emotions. I think she's right. But sometimes it gets to be an awful lot to carry, and friends, I want to remind you that you don't have to go it alone.
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One of the themes of the book is about the experience of those who have lost someone to suicide during childhood and their journey through grief and healing. This past spring, my family lost a beloved family member to suicide. It was sudden and unexpected, and was and continues to be a tragic and transformative event. Friends far and wide, if you are having difficult or painful thoughts or feelings, or are worried about someone, please reach out to a friend, family member, counselor, religious leader, or tap into resources such as:
the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255),
or the Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741), which are both free and available 24/7.
Also, learn more about suicide from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which has local chapters in all 50 states, as well as support for survivors of suicide loss.
You do not have to go through this alone.