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Dear Editor:
One Saturday afternoon not long ago, I wanted to commit suicide. The last few days before had been horrendous and in the past, it hasn’t been easy to be laughed at, mocked and yes, even spit at.
So what does one do when another contemplates suicide? Be there for them. Tell them you love them and always been there for them. Phone, even visit them. Invite them over for dinner. Hug them, encourage them and listen to them.
Having your heart broken over and over actually can actually cause a heart condition. It is called the broken heart syndrome and it is entirely real. The emotional stress can cause chest pain and shortness of breath, similar to a heart attack. It normally resolves within a few days or a week.
Humans need deep and meaningful relationships within which to develop their identity and to thrive in life. The absence of these relationships can often lead to suicide. I personally think there are a lot more people who are suffering from hurt feelings and are or have contemplated suicide or attempted suicide due to the actions or inactions of others. What will it take before they wake up and realize what they are actually doing to one another?
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Van Hoepen
Rosedale