Why the 911 Help Line Isn't Enough

Whenever someone famous commits suicide, I see a lot of people who post or re-post the suicide hotline number. While it is important, appreciated and a very very good thing to do... it also a way to deflect people from coming straight to you. As someone who has suffered from extreme anxiety and depression, I can certainly say that I don't want to talk to a stranger... and I am assuming that most people who suffer these things don't want to talk to a stranger. Which could potentially be the reason why most therapy and psychotherapy don't seem to work for me... and maybe others too?

We know the hotline exists, it's been pounded into our heads. What we appreciate more is having our friends and family check up on us every once in awhile and want to truly know how we are feeling, how our lives are going, what we are going through on an emotional level and maybe just talk about the weather time to time. Why not?

I've had a friend do this for me once before, he set a reminder on his phone that went off once a month that reminded him to simply check up me. How did this happen? .... well ... I asked him to do it. While it may seem too forced, it really helped me get through a hard time. I hope that I can do the same for someone else what he has done for me.

The internet supposedly (if not already) could create a "global village," unfortunately in trade of being able to connect to strangers and acquaintances instantly .... we lost our geographical community. Not literally of course, but in a sense. We are all too busy on our phones and posting on Instagram... that we don't notice the person next to us who could use some help.

When someone famous commits suicide everyone rushes to social media for the likes and shares. I understand why people turn to social media because I do it too. I am not immune to wanting the high that comes from getting likes and that "I did a good thing" feeling. However, the next time you post something on social media that includes the help hotline... please just also add yours.

This time it was a popular person in our society that you didn't know on any level besides what you saw on television or the internet. What if next time it's your friend? Best friend? Family member? Teacher? Someone who impacts your life on a daily basis... or someone you haven't seen in years.

We don't want to pay an insane amount of money just to have someone listen to us for a half hour or one-hour time slot. (I've also heard that they are not always the nicest people). Even if it a free line, we don't want to talk to a phone where the other voice is someone who has no idea who we are.

Even if you don't understand what anxiety or depression is, as long as you are willing to listen or sometimes even take care of us. The fact that you took time out of your busy schedule or whatever else you have going on in your life shows us that we mean the world to you and that's a world worth living for.

Just some food for thought on the events that have been happening lately and how much teen and now pre-teen suicide rates have drastically gone up. As someone who suffers from all of these things and has had there share of suicidal thoughts. I hope this helps in understanding this issue just a sliver more.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Make sure to tell your loved ones that you love them and you are there for them. Better yet, make a post on facebook saying that you are an approachable person if you ever need any help.