An open letter from Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick
There are dark times and then there are great times. Sometimes the dark outweighs the great. I have found that the best prescription for depression is GOD. However, your dark times may require more. I urge you to seek help. Please don't make a permanent decision! There is more to life than death. More people than you think care about you. Your death will send a shockwave throughout your family and friends. They will question themselves for the rest of their lives saying "I didn't know, What if I had answered the phone, etc." Suicide affects everyone who knows you.
It's been almost two years since I lost my brother-in-law to suicide. Twenty-two of my brothers in arms (veterans) commit suicide every day. Suicide is not victimless!
If you are thinking about hurting yourself or if you know someone who is thinking about taking their own life, I urge you and them to seek help. Please don't hurt yourself. There are many options available to help you. Please reach out for help.
Below is a link for signs of suicidal ideations. Also, there is the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. Please get help! Please seek help. I want you to know that I will be praying for GOD's healing touch to heal your heart, soul and mind.
May GOD bless you and be with you.
Links
http://www.save.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewpage&page_id=705f4071-99a7-f3f5-e2a64a5a8beaadd8
Symptoms and Danger Signs
Warning Signs of Suicide
These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss or change.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Withdrawn or feeling isolated.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
Additional Warning Signs of Suicide
- Preoccupation with death.
- Suddenly happier, calmer.
- Loss of interest in things one cares about.
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.
- Making arrangements; setting one's affairs in order.
- Giving things away, such as prized possessions.
A suicidal person urgently needs to see a doctor or mental health professional.
In an emergency, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
