To the Editor:
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. During September, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite and work to promote suicide prevention awareness. World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10 and “it’s a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.” #BeThe1To is the National Suicide Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. People should take it seriously and know the warning signs of severe depression and possible suicide attempt and what to do. For those in a crisis situation, emergency care should be sought immediately.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org) at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) to speak with a crisis intervention counselor. Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network can be reached at www.tspn.org. As a veteran I’m very concerned for military veterans. Veterans crisis line is available 24 hours at 1-800-273-8255 press 1. Also, veterans crisis line chat at: www.veteranscrisisline.net.
Having fame and great riches doesn’t prevent one from being depressed and committing suicide as evident from the suicide of actors like Robin Williams. Each person is different so researchers don’t know what causes depression. It can be caused by a combination of things. For some people depression is caused by thyroid problems or vitamin deficiency. Lacking B-complex vitamins can cause depression. For others depression is caused by rejection or loneliness.
If you are lonely, help and encourage the lonely in nursing homes. Becoming active and helping others is a remedy for depression. Suicidal tendencies often come to people who are self-absorbed. C.S. Lewis said, “Look for yourself and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin and decay. But look for Jesus and you will find Him and with Him everything thrown in!”
It helps to pray and read the Bible which is the greatest source of comfort and peace. Studies show frequent church goers were half as likely to be depressed and had greatly decreased likelihood of suicide and lived seven years longer. The Bible says in this world you will have troubles but choose life. Christians are to extend grace and mercy to those suffering from depression and those suffering from thoughts of suicide and those caught in the aftermath when it breaks hearts and takes away a loved one. Jesus is near to the brokenhearted. Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted!

D.D. Nave
Elizabethton