storm -

no matter where you place this post, it's an important one. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I've found myself in a situation like this where someone I met through work opened up to me about his suicidal thoughts. Well, not opened up out front, but if you know what to look for and do a little reading between the lines, it's there. I took a plunge and got over my own fears and spoke it out to him, offered him to be there if he wanted to talk...and he did. It's been tough to be invited into this dark world of someone feeling so absolutely hopeless and living up to the promise of being there for him, but it paid out - he's still alive and feeling better right now.

Most of his friends thought he was just bluffing and he just never felt like he could really be honest with them. Having someone to talk to who didn't pressure him, didn't only want to discard his feelings or make a decision for him, was a relief and according to his own words...opened up a door back to life. The one thing he said that stuck with me was that the simple act of someone telling him it's ok to feel this way and ok to talk about it, made a difference.

So, I'll second your thoughts...everybody - don't look away but open a door. And if you don't feel up to it yourself, ask for help. It might just be the last chance for someone you love.

And to you, storm...I wish you and your friends all the strength and support you can get to help you through your loss. I for one will be here to listen if you want to talk. *hugs*

Silke