Friday, September 9, 2011

Guest Post: Suicide Is Never the Answer


Guest Post by Cristi Comes Motherhood Unadorned Blog @MotherUnadorned
Facebook facebook.com/motherhoodunadorned

She was brilliant. Could pull countless facts at the drop of a hat, details about obscure topics, pop culture or even high school science, without blinking an eye.

She had the memory of an elephant. She could tell you what she was wearing on her first birthday. What it felt like on her first day of school.

She was an incredible mom. Her son knew his colors and shapes and much more by age 2, because it was important to her to teach him. To read to him. To love him.

She was a caring friend, daughter, sister, cousin. All she ever wanted was to be loved and love in return.

And she had mental illness. Illness that was never fully detected or properly treated.

And she lost her battle December 25, 2010 to suicide.

Her death brought my own mental illness to the forefront once again. It touched my soul in deep and meaningful ways.

My blog Motherhood Unadorned was directly inspired by her.

She became my muse to start writing about my own experiences with chronic mental illness, PPD and suicidal thoughts. To start advocating for mental health. To start fundraising for suicide prevention. In fact, I've just raised $1,500 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and today I will be dying my hair BLUE for suicide prevention awareness.

I want to do anything I can think of to help remove the stigma of mental illness. To let other women (and men) know they are NOT alone. We are never alone in these feelings.

I write the words that in my heart I know my friend was also desperate to say. That it sucks to feel alone in your head. That this life can be overwhelming. But even more so with mental illness.

Her name was Dina. We had been friends since we were 13 years old. 24 years later, our group of girls is still very close. In fact, we do annual reunions as a group. This summer one of us was missing. And it hurt. A lot. She belonged with us.

Please know suicide is never the answer. If you are feeling depressed, overwhelmed, anxious, out of control. Ask for help. You are NOT alone and you ARE loved. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call the national suicide prevention lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).

3 comments:

Jo said...

Cristi's post was perfect and I didn't want to add to it at all except to say that I will be getting blue streaks in my hair today as well in honor of her AMAZING achievement of raising over $1500 for her cause. I'm not the only one either! Bless you Cristi. I'm so glad you are in my life now. You came just when you were needed. Much love to you.

Dr. G said...

I Stumbled this - first post I ever have Stumbled actually. Thanks for helping me have true empathy not only for the children but for the mom who truly saw no other option. I'm sorry for your loss.

Jenna said...

Thank you so much for using your pain and her life and struggle to start your blog, to raise awareness, and to share Dina with your readers and friends. To watch you and listen to you in this season of your life has been so powerful. Love you so much.