September is Suicide Prevention Month, and on September 10, we celebrate World Suicide Prevention Day. This year, it feels more important than ever to take time to think about our mental health, and familiarize ourselves with the signs that someone might be considering taking their life.

We’re Living Through “Unprecedented Times”

I often catch myself silently asking, “What is going on?” Four months ago, I was worried about spending too much money and my children’s health. After running from the office to soccer practice to football games, I’d spend my nights wondering, “Am I saving enough? Making good business decisions?” My life was chaos in motion, but it was good. I felt like I had direction and purpose. My plans were laid out; it was all a matter of execution.  

I want those days back.

Today, I feel like the carpet has been pulled from under my feet and I’m free falling. I worry about the state of the economy, the damage that’s been done to our ecosystem, and the world in general. 

I lie awake at night wondering how my children are coping with their lives being almost frozen in time, while they’re simultaneously overloaded with content about #MeToo, Black Lives Matter, and racism on every screen they look at.

When I leave the house and look into strangers eyes, I find myself searching for a sign as to whether or not they hate me solely based on how I look. While at home, my husband and I routinely discuss if it’s safe to send our kids back to school before a COVID-19 vaccine is available.

During my lifetime I have never seen this much unrest, and it’s coming in so many directions. This is not a Stephen King or Dan Brown thriller. This is real life. And unfortunately, this is a recipe for suicidal ideation. 

Mental Health Support and Resources

If you find yourself thinking that you’ve had “enough,” don’t feel bad — you are not alone. These are unusually hard times. You’re not weak for feeling exhausted, burnt out, or at your limit. If you need to vent, talk to a friend or family member. If you think you need professional help, reach out to a licensed therapist or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

If you have the mental bandwidth, spend some time reading about the Take 5 to Save Lives campaign and the little things we can all do to help one another stay strong through this strange, difficult time.