Anniversaries and Reminders of Stressful Times- Suicidal Thoughts

Anniversaries and Reminders of Stressful Times- Suicidal Thoughts

In September we have a week devoted to Suicide Prevention. It is also when we take a moment to reflect on the anniversary of 9/11 when many people and families were forever impacted by the events of 2001. Anniversaries of traumatic events, loss of important people in our lives, or losses of other types can be difficult to face and cause increase stress. Anxiety, feelings of sadness or despair, anger outbursts or isolation may begin to increase days or even weeks before the arrival of a such an anniversary.

First, it is important to understand, that having feelings of sadness, regret, anxiety or anger are normal when faced with memories of events that involved loss, and trauma. Your feelings are yours, they are never right or wrong, beating yourself up for feeling sadness or anger becomes a vicious circle where your feelings become more intense and your ability to deal with the anniversary and reminders becomes more difficult. Accept your feelings, just as you would if your friend was sharing their feelings with you. Give yourself permission to mourn the loss, feel angry, feel anxious and then….share with others.

That’s right, let others support you and find a way you can offer support to others. When we feel anxious, and angry, sad or alone, it becomes a very personal thing…meaning we focus solely on what we are feeling, how we are impacted, what we have lost, and we close ourselves off to others and our environment. Reaching out to others, including others in our life, offering support, changes our focus. Studies show when we reach out to others, our self esteem increases, our feelings of self worth increases, our happiness also increases. We begin to feel a stronger purpose.

Anniversaries and reminders of losses and traumas can take on a new meaning. They may always be reminders of times we wish never happened but they can also become times we remember those we have now in our life offering us support and how we can give back to others who are also needing support .

This week, when you come in contact with people during your day, offer a friendly smile, comment or a helping hand. You never know how you may positively impact the life of someone who was feeling alone, lost, experiencing an anniversary or feeling suicidal.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, are having suicidal thoughts, please reach out to someone; a friend, a pastor, a coach or co worker, a family member.

If you feel alone or have no one you feel you can reach out to please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can also google them and chat with them online.

Angela