For a while I have known of people who have committed suicide and I feel for the families and friends that miss them so dearly.

    There has been a tremendous uptake in suicidal deaths. The ages vary from preteens to teenagers to young adults and senior citizens.

I asked myself, “What could have been done to persuade those individuals who have died from suicide, to give life another chance?” The answer could vary as much as the pain does, but blame and guilt are to be the main focus. Awareness is, because becoming and staying aware of the changes in the behaviors or everyday moods of those around you is key.

    As an African American man, I am troubled when I see the news and there is another life that has been extinguished due to suicide. To me, suicide is and always has been issue that we should all take seriously. It doesn’t matter whether you are rich, poor or from a certain nationality and it isn’t personal to only the person struggling, yet seeing no other options.  I personally know individuals that have lost family members through suicide. They live every day with a question mark, asking themselves if there was something they could have done to prevent this personal tragedy.

   Whether the answer is yes or no, it is never too late to research, study and learn to detect the signs in themselves or someone they know living and struggling.

    I believe that a simple act of kindness, even to a stranger, will go a long way to let people know that you care, and they are seen.

If you or a loved one is having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text GO to 741741 to reach a trained Crisis Counselor through Crisis Text Line, a global not-for-profit organization. It is free 24/7 and confidential.