Be a lifeline to those who are suffering
If we live long enough, every one of us will get to know someone that has an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Without treatment, either one can lead to serious medical issues up to and including death. In some cases, the cycle has led to the addicted taking his or her own life. Whatever the case, it’s a sad reality of our society.
One would think a small town like ours would be exempt from many of these problems. That isn’t the case. We have our share of people with addictions and more than our share of people who have taken their own lives.
I currently have a friend that is going through a problem with addiction. I would never share their name. That would be disrespectful. But, the story is real and needs to be told in hopes that it will touch someone facing a similar problem. I have seen this person at their best and their worst. Their worst is heartbreaking.
Some might think the people who become addicted come from bad homes and bad families. Nothing could be further from the truth. Addiction seems to touch people from every walk of life. The same can be said for suicide.
None of my education gives me the authority to speak intelligently about suicide or addiction. Therefore, I can only speak from my experiences with those I have known or know who have had issues with these two terrible tragic circumstances.
September is set aside for awareness for both issues. We encourage those who have problems to come forward and talk with someone before it’s too late. Often, when those with problems do come forward, they suffer the consequences of sharing their pain. The stigma associated with these kinds of problems is something many distance themselves from. When they see the encouragement to come forward turn into hypocrisy, they just keep the pain inside. Then we wonder why more people don’t come forward.
Often, the families try to take the blame or responsibility when it isn’t their fault. It is the fault of a society that talks out of both sides of its mouth. If the day ever comes that there is no longer a stigma associated with these issues, then maybe we can help more people help themselves to overcome addiction and depression.
My friend suffering with addiction comes from a beautiful supportive family. This person has a heart of gold with little interest in material things. My friend is only looking for happiness in a world filled with so much negativity. Unfortunately, as they told me, the answer to that happiness isn’t in the bottom of a bottle. The alcohol is only a numbing agent.
My friend has now reached an alltime low to the point of hospitalization. My latest conversations with this person have included their thoughts of suicide. It’s very hard for someone like me to even know how to respond to comments like I heard. At the same time, you don’t want to say the wrong thing. All you can hope for is that something will be said or done to cause them to remember their worth.
We often hear people use terms like drunks. I’ve even heard people who committed suicide referred to as cowards. If you have done this, I’m happy for you that your life has been so pleasant nothing has ever gotten you down. However, your words are offensive to those who suffer with addiction and depression, and those of us who have been through hard times. My friend assures me that they would give anything to not have an addiction. Through tears I have heard the words, “I just want to get better, but I don’t know how.”
We can all be part of the problem or the solution. By realizing none of us are perfect, maybe we can be more accepting of those that are suffering. If you can’t be part of the solution, then just stay out of the way.
Let’s encourage those suffering with addiction and depression to seek help and get better. Better yet, let’s say it and mean it.