Suicide is a subject that we all find difficult to discuss. Many of us have been touched by the tragedy of having someone take their own life. Whether it is a close friend, a relative, or a co-worker, suicide can cause great pain to all those affected. Who better to help than those of us who are a part of a person’s daily life? Noticing a change in their attitude, their personal appearance, or their habits can be a signal of distress or anxiety.
We believe that those who take their own lives do so because they have lost hope. We are asking that you join us to give hope to those hurting silently. Each of us can listen when someone needs to talk and offer the help so important to their survival. We believe that we can do better by helping to erase the stigma of asking for help, by reaching out to those in need, and by encouraging the silent ones to ask for assistance.
Our “Step Up & Step Out” program is based on the premise that all of us can agree that suicide is a huge problem in our emergency services family with more first responders dying each year at their own hands than in line-of-duty incidents. That agreement is the “Stepping Up” part. The “Stepping Out” part comes when we engage a person contemplating taking their life, getting out of the comfort of our own lives and going to their side. Sitting with them, listening to them, offering to take them to help, and simply being there for them.
Want you join us to Step Up AND Step Out? If not you, then who? We can do better, we must do better, we will do better…….please join us and please share this post as often as you can.
Here are two numbers to get them help. Save them in your phones and use them when someone is hurting.
NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE 800-273-8255
LOWCOUNTRY FIREFIGHTER SUPPORT TEAM 843-300-1700