Re: Paris Jackson Possible Suicide Attempt Rushed to Hospital SHE IS OK
Today's headlines made me very very sad
. I felt much worse than when Michael died even. Seeing the picture of this poor 15 year old with the words "meat cleaver" in the headline made my heart sink and my eyes teary. I pray that she finds all the support and care she needs. But thank God she's ok, that's what matters.
Yes. I am glad her thoughts cleared up to call for help. Not sure if that is exactly what went on. People do need to know that if they have the feeling that they have such a dark place - that sometimes getting hospitalized in this manner is needed.
Countless teens and adults not only attempt suicide, they also succeed.
Going to a hospital, or calling a suicide hotline can sometimes be life saving.
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A friend of mine admitted himself to a hospital because he honestly said that unless he is in a place where people know that he will take the step from ideation to suicide - he would have done it. And a friend's son was suicidal and it took that step for appropriate medical help. He was 16 and bi-polar. And undiagnosed. I was narcoleptic and undiagnosed and depression was what prompted me to seek medical help after pointless pain for about 3 years.
I mention stuff like that because sometimes we are in circumstances that exceed (temporary) coping methods and sometimes reaching out is the only way to get the medical help needed. There are so many things that can lead to someone being unable to cope. She has a lot on her plate and even the best family background sometimes can not prevent a suicide, either. And sometimes the trauma of death can catch up with you a few years later, even when we seem to cope well at first. It just happens to many of us. I recall a few losses in my family (Michael's also) that hit me much, much harder years down the road. And when other stress factors pile on top of that, that can land us in a dark place really, really fast.
And let this be a lesson to everyone who read the sad news today including our community here of MJ fans. We need to take care of our children and siblings, and sons and daughters. Sometimes our egos may get in the way or we may not realize what they may be going through. As a 24 year old myself, it wasn't long ago when I was 15 and yet sometimes I realized that when I speak to a younger teen or reprimand them, I do it with my more mature insight and experience. And although I may be technically right, that doesn't mean it's the right way to handle the situation. Always give them the benefit of the doubt and if you find yourself at odds with yourself, not knowing how to handle a situation. Sometimes the answer is as easy as asking them what they think is the right thing to do and why. We can learn so much from children if we humble ourselves. Please take care of our children and teenagers :'( ..
I would agree.
Maybe many fans are just shocked today. Finding some kind of release would be good - but maybe the venting could get a separate thread. When someone dies, attempts suicide or succeeded in it - it's the human reaction to have to let of some steam.
I'm not a friend of signed belts and other things mentioned. Suicide and suicide attempts are difficult to discuss without blame and anger.
Maybe Paris' situation can help others understand that there are many different reasons, situations and circumstances that can lead to a suicide attempt. A suicide attempt always comes as a shock, even in picture perfect families - and even in loving and functioning families as well.
And sometimes adolescents have the added difficulty of the 'we all were sad teenagers back when.' Just a few weeks back I have listened to activists of adolescent suicide prevention on NPR and I recall some research being cited that concerned adolescents and mentioned the added danger of the more spontaneous element in adolescents.
One way to help even in a minute way in the US is the attempt to reform gun laws, for example. As scary as a knife or meds can be - many youth in the US succeeded with their suicide with access to guns, for example.
So if US fans feel helpless, maybe we can do something in a different, but related field? Help suicide prevention by calling up your representatives and push for gun law reform. Maybe we can channel some of that shock and pain from the news and indirectly help countless other youths who will succeed by having access to guns, for example. While this may not help Paris - you might help save just one other line down the road as well.
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/suicideprevention.aspx
I think suicide prevention awareness has risen - but along with it come other challenges. Just casually mention 'antidepressants' and/or 'therapy' and you'll immediately will have a wave of horror and that atmosphere sometimes contributes to some with suicidal thoughts and ideation to retreat even further.
Guiding people toward seeking help (it's incredibly difficult and next to impossible for someone in a dark place to even consider the possibilities that help is available in many forms and that nobody should be afraid to call up their Doctor because we are 'prozac nation'. Btw, I am not advocating feeding people medication nillywilly, either).
Most responsible Doctors will not dismiss a patient's call for help. Reaching out and being referred to different forms of help is a needed step.
If you thing you have reached a dark place - ask for help.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Or help find someone the right number for their country.
Or pick up the phone and dial 911. (in the US)
Don't be ashamed, say the hard stuff, verbalize that you are suicidal and hold on until help arrives. You are human and deserve help.
Call your Doctor.
And if you don't have Doctor, don't be afraid to walk into a hospital ER, you will be checked for physical injuries and if one states clear suicidal intentions, help will be arranged. First immediate and then longterm.
Sometimes even 2 or 3 days with medical attention can help break those circular thoughts. And sometimes a short stay in a medical facility can help people catch a breath, sometimes even a few days under professional help can help. Living with circular thoughts is sheer hell which is why a hospital stay sometimes will include medication to give relief, to let people rest, just so that it is possible to figure out what led there and if there are other contributing causes that need to be addressed as well.
People need to have a chance at relief because the pain that leads to a suicide attempt is so great. Once 'horrible' is your new baseline you forget that life also has the other side - joy, love and relaxation. But when pain is the only thing felt, people deserve relief and the chance to even remember joy and love. And then you have a real chance of recovery, of tackling what is ailing you.
Offer an open ear to those who hurt. Don't ever think that mentioning suicide will lead to someone hurting themselves. Write down the local suicide hotline on a piece of paper if they need it later. Routers and servers can go down, you wouldn't believe how many people do seek help.
I'm happy Paris is still here with us and in a place where immediate needs can be addressed properly as well. There are no guarantees but I for one am relieved and grateful that she made it. I agree with Mr. Mesereau when he says that she has a huge deal to contribute in our world.
Admittedly my heart is broken a tiny bit more but I am also immensely relieved that this situation did not have a deadly outcome. Hopefully a silver lining will emerge visible to her.
There really isn't much to celebrate today but at the very least she is safe, can catch a break and has a chance to journey on. And for that I'm grateful.
