Slow down and think before you speak…
Last week,
a women in our SOS (Survivors of Suicide) support group shared how she cringes
each time she hears someone say, “Oh if that happened, I’d kill myself,” or “I
could just shoot myself.” Phrases such as these have become second nature for
many and unfortunately, the speaker rarely thinks about the implications of
what is being said. Rarely is the speaker actually contemplating suicide – they
are merely stating their frustrations over an issue. However, for those of us
who have lost someone to suicide, these casual phrases can be hurtful. I
caution each of you to think before you speak (a lesson for all of us to be
sure), especially before tossing out the words, “I can’t believe he did that.
He might as well blow his brains out!”
a women in our SOS (Survivors of Suicide) support group shared how she cringes
each time she hears someone say, “Oh if that happened, I’d kill myself,” or “I
could just shoot myself.” Phrases such as these have become second nature for
many and unfortunately, the speaker rarely thinks about the implications of
what is being said. Rarely is the speaker actually contemplating suicide – they
are merely stating their frustrations over an issue. However, for those of us
who have lost someone to suicide, these casual phrases can be hurtful. I
caution each of you to think before you speak (a lesson for all of us to be
sure), especially before tossing out the words, “I can’t believe he did that.
He might as well blow his brains out!”
Please know
that if you’ve said this in the past, there is no judgment from me…I just ask
that you please reconsider your wording in the future.
that if you’ve said this in the past, there is no judgment from me…I just ask
that you please reconsider your wording in the future.
This is really good. Thanks for sharing this reminder. Most people don't understand what they're saying when speaking those words and just how hurtful they can be to whoever is around them.
So inspiring natalie
I completely agree – I also cringe when I hear people say this. It's literal to me.