Suicide Prevention Week - Part 2.

(This week, Sept. 10-16th, is National Suicide Prevention Week. Because this is something I know way too much about now, I'd like to share a small part of Caleb's story every day this week, hoping that it will resonate with someone else. If it does - immediately text or call a parent, a teacher, a friend, a pastor, and just say the words, "I really need help." Please, don't be scared to use those words.)

Today, I'd like to talk to the teens. I feel such a passion now for helping others to know the signs and to know how to react. Not only because I feel like I failed Caleb, but because a lot of his friends failed him, too.

If your friend jokes about suicide, if your friend says "I thought about suicide before but not now", if your friend starts alienating himself from normal activities, if your friend starts making excuses for acting peculiar (or doesn't make excuses), if your friend just isn't himself, I want you to do two things. #1. Ask. Look them in the eye and ask how they are REALLY doing. Someone struggling with suicidal thoughts or even strong depression or anxiety are rarely going to ask for help. You have to ask them. Then no matter what the answer, do #2. Go tell an adult. No matter how smart or mature you are, you are not equipped with the knowledge and experience to know if they are telling the truth and to help them. It doesn't matter what adult, just tell one. You can say, "Hey, this may not be a big deal, but I'm kinda worried about ___. He said _____ which is odd." That's it. That's all you have to say. If the adult blows it off, tell one more adult, just to be sure. Hand that responsibility to someone else; don't leave it in your hands.

Risk making your friend mad or embarrassed, It will be temporary, but you never know what kind of permanent difference you can make.

Caleb made several comments to friends. Some friends thought he was better. Some knew he was seeing a therapist, so they thought he was talking to his therapist about his past suicidal thoughts (he wasn't), and some knew he wasn't doing good, but didn't know what to say. Not one told an adult. Please do not be scared to ask for help for your friend. Be brave and stand in the gap for that friend, because more than likely, they can't do it for themselves.