By Dennis Gillan & Dr. Mark Pleiss<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
National Suicide Prevention Week is from September 9 \u2013 15 this year, but we all know it should be every week. We lose one person to suicide in the United States every 11.7 minutes and suicide is preventable. We know that by helping someone in a time of need you become the greatest version of yourself. One way to do this is to learn the signs of mental distress and how to help that person. Keep your head on a swivel, go with your gut, and if you see something, say something. As a brother of Phi Delta Theta, I would encourage you to learn both the physical and mental health resources available on your campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following text is an example of the inner dialogue people with depression or other mental health issues often say to themselves as they struggle to cope with their symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I feel this constant dread that is always there. It isn\u2019t from a test, a project, or daily life. It is just me. I joined this Fraternity to be happy, and these brothers are supposed to be my keeper. I am their brother and they can\u2019t even help me. Can\u2019t they see that I am struggling? Don\u2019t they know that I am hurting on the inside? How can I be so alone in a room full of my friends\u2026 no, my brothers. They must know what I am thinking and feeling. How couldn\u2019t they know that I feel empty on the inside? These are the people I am closest with, yet it feels like they are worlds away from me. Everyone is excited for the new semester, so I have to fake a smile until everyone else settles into the misery of a college semester. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am angry, but that anger is controlled until I drink. I keep it bottled up, but the only time I can relax is when I have a couple beers to keep me calm. Another sip of whiskey, and I will chill out. Maybe some fresh air and a smoke. Maybe on the roof, or on the porch, just to get away from everyone. Out of sight. Sometimes it doesn\u2019t work, but that\u2019s normal, right? But these guys don\u2019t want to help me. I NEED their help, and why can\u2019t they see that I want it to all go away. I rather punch a wall than cry. The anger hides my fear, my pain, my struggle. They abandoned me. No one cares. They would be better off if they didn\u2019t have to worry about me. They will be in a better place if I am gone. They can go on without having to help me or pretend to care. I know the solution. I solved the problem\u2026 because the problem is me, and if I am not here, then there is no problem.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the above statements from the depressed perspective are close to how you are feeling or thinking on a regular basis, it is likely that you need to seek professional help. As much as your brothers would like to help and support you, we are ultimately responsible for our own mental health and must invest in our own wellness and utilize our resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But what can we do to help those that may be struggling with managing their stress? Take time to discuss mental health with your brothers and pay close attention to their talk, behavior, and their mood. We may not know how our brothers feel or what they are thinking, but we can create the bonds of friendship between one another and be open to the conversations about mental health. If you are concerned a brother may be struggling, reach out to them. Say \u201cI\u2019m here when you need me.\u201d If something seems off, I encourage you to step in before they step out. Zero suicides would be nice and anything short should be unacceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dennis Gillan is a speaker for suicide prevention and his work is powered by the memories of his two brothers, Mark and Matthew, both lost to suicide. www.dennisgillan.com<\/a><\/u><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
By Dennis Gillan & Dr. Mark Pleiss National Suicide Prevention Week is from September 9 \u2013 15 this year, but […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":27749,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[529],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19082","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mental-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n