Mental Illness

I have lost several important people in my life to suicide.

Losing someone close to you to suicide is something only those who have experienced it first hand can really understand. Everyone seems to have their own ideas about what events lead to the suicide. There is always more than enough blame to go around, not to mention the deep self doubt that maybe, the survivors could have or should have done or said something to change the end result.

No one is to blame. Let me state it again: I want to be clear -- no one is to blame for another person's suicide or suicide attempt. Suicide is the end result of mental illness. Whether the illness was long-term or short-term, at the time of suicide, a thought disorder was present.

Click here for a suicide fact sheet. Additional information about suicide and depression is available through SAVE's website.

If you are thinking about suicide, please click here or here or here or here or here for help.

Or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a free, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call will be routed to the nearest crisis center to you. It's CONFIDENTIAL and FREE!