Have you seen the new show on Netflix called “13 Reason Why”? For those of you who are fortunate enough to not have to witness this tragedy in real life, you now have an insight from watching this show. It is not a matter to be taken lightly.

Some of you may make jokes or even call it stupid. Let’s say one of your friends or a family came to you for support, would you take them serious or laugh in their face?

Take them serious

There is nothing worse than having depression and thinking those horrible thoughts. When someone comes to you for help, do not laugh or poke fun. Take them serious, reach out to them.

In the show, the girl, Hannah Baker suffered from relationship trouble, severe bullying, never feeling good enough for anyone and always felt alone in the world. She tried reaching out, however, no one believed she was truly troubled. They said she only wanted attention, which made her feelings worse and ultimately, ended her life.

Statistics

Here are a few numbers to show you proof. You should take this seriously if you’re ever involved with a similar situation.

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death of all ages. With this being said, 34,598 people die by suicide each year. There is an average of 94 completed suicides every single day. Studies show that suicide takes more lives (34,598) than lives taken by homicide (18,361). Firearms are used 54 percent in completed suicides.

It’s All Around You

This tragedy is all around you, yet everyone would rather look the other way. More people need to be aware of this horrific epidemic. It will never go away if we, as a society, single those people out and make them feel like they have no other choice.

Be Genuine.

Being a better person is what all of us need to do. It makes the world a better place. People with depression and suicidal tendencies only see in black and white. Throw a little color into their life. You never know, it just might save them.

We need to help those in need. Whether they are asking for a hand or if they’re trying to be silent. If you see the signs of suicide, step in. Don’t worry about offending them. If you aren’t exactly sure what the signs are, here are a few.

Signs

They may show some or all signs. It’s up to you to notice these signs before the unthinkable becomes the unbearable.

  • They have extreme mood swings.
  • They are talking about wanting to die or kill themselves.
  • They talk of being a burden and start to become isolated and withdraw from people.
  • They may increase drugs and alcohol and sleep too much or too little.
  • They might become anxious, reckless or agitated more easily.
  • They may feel like they have no purpose or feel hopeless.
  • They seem to feel trapped and want to get rid of an internal pain.
  • They may also speak of revenge or having rage.

Take Time

Take time with someone. That’s all they really want. That’s what they truly need. They need someone to talk or to listen. Don’t judge them or make them feel inferior because they may withdraw from you and not trust you with their issues.

Suicide is not a game. It’s not funny and it is most definitely not for attention. It’s just as serious as cancer. You wouldn’t make fun of a cancer patient, now would you? So, take time out of your day and make someone else’s day. Let them know you see them for who they are not what they’ve become.

Copyright: Dream Humanity