Suicide Sucks. Be a Lifesaver.
Russ Chastain 01.21.20
A little more than two years ago, my family was devastated when my aunt Barbara chose to end her life, using a firearm.
We have never been the same since then.
Suicide is horrible. There is no other way to say it.
Today at the SHOT Show, I met a couple who lost their son to suicide. I can think of no greater pain for the human heart… but there they were, healing themselves and others by spreading the message of hope and love. They were representing the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
We spoke. I took their hands and thanked them for their work. I became choked up and had to walk away.
People DO love you. People DO care. NOBODY WILL BE BETTER OFF IF YOU ARE GONE.
The mention of firearms in my opening sentence above is germane because 1) SHOT Show is largely about guns, and 2) most firearms deaths are self-inflicted.
Making guns illegal will not save lives. But spreading love and hope most certainly will. Please join me in doing so.
If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.