Earlier today, we found out someone near and dear to us took their own life.
Like countless friends and family who remain behind after this happens, we’re left with more questions than answers and it’s especially painful to know that our questions will never have answers.
How do you help someone who doesn’t want to be helped? Or can’t be helped? You often hear advice that says, “Hey, if you’re thinking of harming yourself, just talk to someone! 988!”
As if it’s as simple as that.
We would sometimes hear them say, “Someday, I’m going to kill myself.”
We obviously said, “No! You don’t need to do that! We’re here for you! How can we help you? You can call us any time, any place. Whatever you need, we’re here for you!”
Their response was always a variation of “Hah, that’s so sweet. You don’t worry about me.”
And yet. Here we are. No note. No goodbye. No reason. No nothing.
We’re left with nothing but our own confusion, grief, and anger.