Suicide Awareness: 5 Things I Learned After the Loss of a Friend From Suicide by Lindsay Gerszt
Years ago, I lost my dear friend, Naomi Knoles, from suicide. I met Naomi when we interviewed her for When The Bough Breaks, a documentary about postpartum depression.
Naomi suffered from postpartum psychosis and ultimately took her daughter's life. After spending 10 years in prison for her crime, she also took her own life. Her story is a tragic one and changed my life forever. This is what I learned after Naomi lost her battle with depression:
- Do not blame yourself. There was nothing YOU did that would have caused someone to harm themselves.
- Never judge anyone. We all have our demons, just some are more visible than others.
- Always be kind. You never know when someone needs encouraging words, an ear to be heard or even just a smile from you.
- Show support to their family and friends. They need it and not just right after the tragedy.
- Share their story! We have to keep their memory alive. Others will learn from their struggles and pain. Sharing their story may save someone's life.
Everyone has a story to tell and a story worth sharing!
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
If you're struggling 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022. The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
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