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Fighting Suicide: Suggestions From the Sharps (3-5 Min Read)

My angel Mother hosted a Teen discussion to help the youth in the fight with suicide and to give guidance to those who are seeking for peace regarding Sam's death. She is amazing and I love her so much for putting her whole heart and soul into inspiring hope, building confidence, and helping others develop a greater competence to conquer the darkness surrounding so many. We will not be silent about suicide! No one needs to suffer alone! 

To help with the discussion,  Mom put together a list of suggestions based on our family's experiences. These are things that we know did help Sam when he was applying them, along with things we feel could have helped him had he chosen to stay. Many of these points also apply to those who wish to help friends who might be suffering. They are simple but meaningful suggestions that can be applied by anyone seeking for greater hope, confidence, and competence. We are all in a fight to save lives. Please feel free to share these suggestions with all who may be helped by it! 

"As we seek to increase our love for God and strive to love our neighbor, the light of the Gospel will surround and uplift us. The darkness will surely fade, because it CANNOT exist in the presence of light." (Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf, "The Hope of God's Light," April 2013)

Our Suggestions 

If you are struggling, please talk to your parents. It might be a shock to them and they might not know what to say. Allow them time to pray, think about it, and gather their thoughts. 

Talk to friends, leaders, Bishops, grandparents, and siblings. There are so many who want to be there for you! 

Do not be afraid to seek help. Talking to a counselor is nothing to be ashamed of. They have tools and ideas to help you work through the difficult times. Stick with it. If you really don't feel you connect with your counselor, it's okay to find another and another. Find someone you are comfortable with. 

If a professional suggests medication and you feel like you need it, do not be ashamed. 

Try with all your strength and soul to get better. Know you have so much to live for. 

Do not stay in your room. Turn off your phone. Interact with people. Serve others. Do things that help you feel joy and fulfillment. 

Get sleep. REALLY GET SLEEP!!! If you need help sleeping, please seek help. Night-time can be very hard on the mind. 

Listen to good music - It can touch your spirit! (Send me an email if you want Sam's Church playlist  - it's great) 

Forgive yourself for mistakes. Do not judge others for their mistakes.

Read helpful books. We suggest "The Continuous Atonement for Teenagers," By Brad Wilcox and "Christ in Every Hour," By Anthony Sweat. 

Study helpful Conference Talks - We suggest starting with "Like a Broken Vessel," By Elder Jeffrey R Holland in October 2013. 

Use the Gospel Library - "Life Help" section. Study the "Mental Health" and "Suicide" tabs. There are many answers to questions, helps, tools, and links to outside reputable resources. 

Remember, YOU are loved by many. There is always hope. Your Heavenly Father loves you more than you can understand. LOVE YOURSELF!!!

Be kind to others. You do not know what they might be going through. Love them. It is not your place to judge them. 

Replace fear with faith and hope. Heavenly Father will always help you, guide you, comfort you, and love you. 

Fight like HELL to feel better, to get better, and to help others. 

DO NOT GIVE UP!!!

In Sam's phone, we found a daily goal he had set in his personal notes. He said, 

"To show him that I care I will love everyone around me because they are his sons and daughters and my brothers and sisters."
Live like Sam. Smile like Sam. Love like Sam! 


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