At around the age of 17, a young man started hearing loud voices disturbing the reality of his childhood. Over several months, the demonic sounding voices increasingly spoke over thoughts, conversations, and activities. Even though these voices did not speak audibly to anyone else, he could not shut them out. They would consume his brain in the shower, when he studied, and all other moments…even during sleep occasionally. The voices never said nice things. Not once did the teenager hear, “Wow, you look great today” or “Good job on that test.” Instead, they were foul, angry, and unnerving. The young man continued to be tormented by the never ending voices.
This is an extreme case but it is something approximately 3.5 million people in America live with daily (according to sardaa.org). For a moment, I want you to think about having this disability. Can you imagine audibly hearing an angry voice every waking moment when other people do not? Mental Illness is very common in the world today. Approximately 26.2%, more than 1 in 4 people suffer from a mental disorder over the age of 18 (NIMH). Many people work through their illness and live healthy lives but others lose hope.
The teenager listed above is my brother-in-law.
I met Austin when he was 13. Austin was an active, intelligent boy. As Austin grew older, he suffered from schizophrenia for eight years before taking his life a few weeks ago. He attempted suicide twice (that I know of) before completing the act on the third time. I don’t know all the reasons but I know Austin lost hope. He felt he had nothing to look forward to and no optimism that the voices would end. Austin saw no way out other than suicide. Austin tried to drown the voices and twice, shoot them out of his head.
It breaks my heart to see people without hope. I want to use every resource I have to tell the world, “There is hope”.
In the United States in 2009, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death for ALL ages 10 and up (CDC) and took the lives of 36,891 people. According to the Center for Disease Control, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-24. 1 in 8 teenagers suffer from depression (remedylive.com). My prayer is that every person who reads this blog will help spread hope around our great nation. Don’t let people live without the anticipation of good things coming.
In my job, unfortunately I see people suffering from severe mental illness, many times co-existing with substance abuse, on a daily basis. Some people will find help and hope, while others never will. We won’t likely change everyone, but with prayer and action…we can try. Look for the early signs of depression and other mental illnesses. Don’t be afraid to talk with those you love about life and hope. Refer those in need to resources. Many churches have counseling and resources available for those that need it. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24 hours a day and has more than 140 crisis centers (1-800-273-TALK {8255}).
Mental illness is common…but suicide doesn’t have to be. We’re all in this together. Let’s spread hope to the world around us.
-David
david@overwatchdesigns.com