Suicide is Not the Answer — Total Soulful Journey

Life is precious. There are many times when we do not understand what is going on and we all have that in common. In fact we are more alike than different. Anxiety and depression are on the rise. We all have fears and insecurities, they just vary. There is a feeling of hopelessness looming in the air at times, but I urge everyone to dig deep and plant your roots in the power of belief and purpose. If you do not yet know your purpose, please forget the expectations and opinions of others and follow your passion.

Because of the two major suicide stories this week of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, may they rest in peace, the subject of suicide is now being brought into the limelight and it is time that we have an honest discussion about it that comes from a place of love without judgement. We openly talk about other diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, but people are shy to talk openly about mental Illness. Anytime that we bring these difficult subjects into the light and talk about them, we break down the stigma that surrounds them and give hope to those who are suffering.

*Anthony Bourdain inspired us to travel and to appreciate food and cultures from around the world. He will be missed. Photography by Paul Garrett*

Give up Labels and Find Your Purpose

We are all born with special and unique gifts. Give up the labels and expectations and dare to be YOU. You are never a burden. You are a divine being. According to an article by Todd B. Kashdan Ph.d in Psychology Today, “In general people do not attempt suicide solely because of pain, it is because they don’t believe there is a reason to live and the world would be better off without them.” If you or someone you love feels hopeless and as if you/they do not fit in, please pause, breathe and realize that you need to reach out to supportive friends and family, a therapist or the suicide help line, which is 1-800-273-8255. No matter how bad you feel, remember that there are people who can help you. When the darkness seems insurmountable it's difficult to think beyond your pain, but please know that you are loved and that your loved ones ones will feel completely devastated without you in their lives. Reach out before it is too late, allow people to tell you how much they love you. You are never alone and it is up to you to harness that power of belief.

The Statistics

Over 40,000 people a year die by suicide in the United States according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It is the 10th leading cause of death. The news now sees suicide as a worthy story because of the growing number of suicides, including those of well known celebrities. It just goes to show that money and fame do not bring happiness and contentment. Happiness is an inside job. It can only come when you love and trust yourself and live from a place of centeredness. That does not come easily to most of us so we have to do some soul searching and often we need help from a professional in order to develop a positive mindset that will lead to joy and a meaningful life.

My yoga practice and self help books have helped me enormously on my journey, but to be completely honest with you I also have an incredible therapist. My journey as a survivor of trauma has taken me to some dark places. Fortunately, my therapist helps me understand why I do the things I do or react the way I do. None of us want to intentionally hurt others or ourselves for that matter. We do so anyway out of a false emotion that hides beneath the surface of our subconscious minds. This can be an unfounded fear or an inability to trust. Through therapy I have been able to bring these emotions to the surface and safely release them from my being. Each time that I let go, life becomes lighter and brighter.

Be a light for those who are suffering. Storms will come, but they do not last forever. Photography by Paul Garrett

Let's Be a Light for Those Who Need Hope and Help to Break the Cycle

In addition to the celebrity suicides this year, I have personally known several teens who chose to end their lives. One boy, under 18, drove his car into a wall because his girlfriend broke up with him. I feel so incredibly sad for his family, and for the poor girlfriend who may carry guilt and shame for a long time if not a lifetime. You see, suicide is not an ending. It has longterm repercussions for everyone who loves you.

So what can we do to help prevent more suicides in the future? If you see a friend, a neighbor, a coworker or a family member start to isolate, commit self harming acts, talk about great guilt or shame, use drugs and alcohol more than usual, have changes in their eating or sleeping habits, start giving away important possessions or saying goodbye to friends, please reach out to them and if you are really concerned consider an intervention. Please click on the following link and learn how you can help to prevent suicide: suicidepreventionlifeline.org

It is also very important for the people who have lost a loved one or friend to seek support for their grief. It can be very overwhelming at times and having the support of loved ones, grief counselors or a suicide bereavement group can help you through your loss. Click on the following link to get more information on bereavement supoort from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: asfp.org

We all need to give a little more love, to talk openly and to believe that better things are coming. By being positive, loving and supportive we not only lift the energy around us, we also give hope to those who are suffering. I am sending love and prayers to the families and friends of all those who have suffered the loss of a loved one to suicide. I hope that we can all raise the vibration and put an end to suicide as being an answer to the problems and heartaches that we face. Only love can heal.

Healing Hugs,

Libby

Next Tuesday we will resume our series on "The Power of Belief" with a discussion about how our thoughts and beliefs have a powerful influence over the wellness of our bodies. This is important information that will help you to take ownership over your health. Stay inspired and have a wonderful weekend!

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