Last Sunday Judy and I participated in a "Out of the
Darkness" walk sponsored by the local chapter of the National Association
for Suicide Prevention. The purpose was to raise funds and awareness about suicide and ways of prevention. We found out
that, for some unknown reason, Montana has the highest rate of suicide of all
the states in the US. Also, we heard that 22 veterans commit suicide every day in our
country.
The words spoken by some at this event and the writing on
t-shirts made it obvious that many of those who participated have lost loved
ones to suicide.
Though Judy and I do
not know anyone who has recently died this way, about a year ago in Butte,
the town where we now live, there was an "epidemic" of teen agers
taking their own lives.
While walking the trail we were overtaken by an enthusiastic
group of young people all wearing shirts with the word "Frontstanders"
on their backs. We asked what that
meant. They said they were all students
at a local college and have made a commitment to be "frontstanders', not "by-standers"
when they encounter situations that need intervention and help. Whenever they see physical, emotional or
sexual abuse, or someone who is depressed, showing signs of contemplating
suicide, or in need of other kinds of help… a frontstander does not hold
back. Does not just stand by.
What a good and positive witness these young people made to
me that day. It makes me stop to reflect on the amount of
"by-standing" in my own life.
We were pretty unaware of the scope of crisis of suicide in
our locality and nation or even that September 10th was National Suicide
Prevention Day…
In proclaiming this day such, President Obama wrote: "Suicide
prevention is the responsibility of all people. One small act -- the decision
to reach out to your neighbor, offer support to a friend, or encourage a
veteran in need to seek help -- can make a difference."
I think being a "frontstander" would be a good
attitude to keep in the forefront of my mind as I go about daily life! What do you think?
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