CSU Central: The Talking Post

It is that time of year for all college students: Dead Week, and Finals Week. Papers need to be typed, projects need to be finished, and schedules are blown up as we fight to get everything done on time. There is one thing on all students’ minds: summer.

However, there is another thing on students’ minds as well: stress. Lots of stress, and anxiety over final grades and tests to take, and anything else that has arisen over the past few weeks. I know some students ready to throw their notebooks into the air and say “I’m done!” Stress can greatly affect how students are working around their finals schedules, and this is where all of the lovely stress relief posters are put up around campus by the CSU Health Network, which is one small way to help students in this crazy time. Stress can lead to many negative thoughts, and for some that can push you over the edge, and we don’t want to hit rock bottom. For some people, this could even put them on an emotional high where they might do something reckless and potentially hurt themselves. Those posters I just mentioned—that’s where those can help.

One small event that CSU is hosting is the Talking Post, in the Morgan Library, from 11:30 am to 3 pm on Thursdays where students can go sit down and talk about what they’re going through with someone who is willing to listen and give some help. While they are volunteers who are not trained professionals, it is someone to sit with you and listen to if you are struggling with any form or stress or serious issue than can arise these final weeks of school. It can seem weird talking to a stranger, but when you feel like you don’t have someone to talk to, these people are here to listen.

This may not seem related to suicide prevention, but in reality having someone to listen and not judge to you is one key piece to helping you deal with difficult circumstances in your life, and not be afraid to speak out for help. Whether it’s the Listening Post in the library, or making the call for a counseling appointment in the Counseling Center, there are people to listen and help you in times of high stress and anxiety, especially this close to the end of the school year.

Turning Away from Stigmatized Vocabulary

Today, let’s do a little vocabulary lesson.

The word “suicide” comes from two Latin roots: “sui” meaning “of oneself” and “cidium” meaning “a killing or a slaying.” Together, you get the word “suicide,” or the deliberate or intentional killing of oneself.

Seems like everyone knows this, right? The word “suicide” has become stigmatized over the decades and never put in a positive light. The idea of taking your own life can still be seen as confusing and misunderstood, and some may see the act as selfish. There is a new word I discovered this week in my research, a word that eventually could replace the word suicide permanently.

The new word: penacide.

Penacide comes from two Latin roots as well: “poena” meaning “punishment or torment,” and “cide” meaning “to strike down.” Penacide means “the killing of pain.”

Most suicide victims do not actually want to die, but rather end the pain that they feel on an everyday basis. The pain, from stress, depression, anxiety or any other reasons can all put a person down a negative path that causes psychological pain. Instead of wanting to die, someone who is suicidal can be more focused on ending this pain over anything else. While a suicide may not be planned, it can be an impulsive decision when the pain is heightened and becomes too much. From my own experience, I have come to call this the “high” stage, where a person may not be thinking clearly and they make a rash decision that can lead to a deadly outcome.

I like the notion of this word because it helps explain more of what suicide victims can be experiencing, and it leads away from the word “suicide” which is very stigmatized. I’m not introducing this word so it came replace suicide and become a stigmatized term as well, but a different way of looking at suicide and the reasons behind it. Penacide refers to the act of killing the pain someone might be feeling instead of the notion that all suicidal people actually want to die. Suicide is what comes at the end of a long, painful process where someone may be afraid to ask for help, or could even feel shamed or like a burden to others.

The notion of suicide being a choice is a stigmatization. For survivors, a lot of our thoughts can turn to the question “why?” “What should I have done?” “What if I had done this instead?” “How could I not know” “Why didn’t they tell me?” “Why did they make this choice?” Penacide doesn’t fall into this trap of questioning constantly why someone took their own life.

The term penacide can give some light to the idea of why did this happen, and help survivors down an easier path to acceptance. It is not a form of suicide, but rather a new way of looking at the notion of taking one’s life that could essentially change how people view suicide and what research could be done about it. Think about it.

Of All of the Colors

If I were to walk up to you, and held out a purple, yellow, and red ribbon, would you know what they represent? Would you be able to guess which one is for suicide prevention?

If you guess red, guess again. The color red is used in AIDS awareness, along with substance-abuse awareness, and other forms of disease awareness like heart disease.

If you guessed purple, you’re close. Purple is used for many forms of diseases and cancers, along with domestic violence awareness and LGBTQ bullying victim support.

By now if you can guess the color yellow, or guessed that color first, you are correct! Yellow is one of the main colors used to represent suicide prevention awareness. Commonly shown as a plain yellow ribbon crossed at the middle, another variation is the hear formed in the top of the ribbon, and is used by the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program.

In the United States, the yellow ribbon also has other significant meanings, one of the top ones being support for our troops. From talking with other students and professors on campus at CSU, most recognized the yellow ribbon for troop support first, until I informed them it also represents suicide prevention awareness. There is some confusion to which ribbon represents different aspects that goes along with suicide prevention, such as the color used by the movement To Write Love on Her Arms, which gives hope and finds help for those who struggle with depression and self-harm. One of the main colors they use is orange, along with light blue and black, to help recognize their organization.

Along with the yellow ribbon, a new one began to emerge in 2003 from the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) Annual Conference which consists of two colors: purple and turquoise. The idea for two colors came from past-president of AAS  Michelle Linn-Gust and founder of Lifekeeper Quilts Sandy Martin. The reason for these two colors?

“Purple and turquoise are both healing colors. The color combination stands for survivors of suicide and suicide itself. The ribbon serves as a reminder that suicide is an issue we need to talk about.”

-From the 2013 National Suicide Prevention Week Information and Media Kit

 

 

Now, you may be wondering why it seems I’m giving you a color ribbon lesson and how it relates to suicide prevention. The importance is seeing and recognizing the colors associated through suicide prevention, and how they are being used by advocates. Whether it’s the yellow ribbon on the Yellow Ribbon Cards to seek help, or wearing it on an Out of the Darkness Walk, it’s important to recognize it when you see it. During National Suicide Prevention Week in September, show your support for the cause by wearing these colors and spreading the word on what they represent to people who may not know what it’s for. People don’t know the colors used to represent suicide prevention, and it is one small way everyone can support the cause.

The Pranks and Jokes End Here

I was searching around YouTube earlier this week when I realized what I wanted to discuss for today. I noticed right off the bat when you type the words “suicide prevention” into the search bar, it isn’t the first option listed for you to choose from. To my horror, the first option is “suicide prank.”

The idea of suicide pranks is just wrong on so many levels. First of all, to which ever poor soul was to walk into that situation thinking that they just found someone who took their own life can be extremely traumatic. Then right when they’re about to call the police for help, the person simple sits up and tells them to hang up the phone, laughing the entire time. The comments I read on some of the videos I found were even worse. People thinking it’s a great idea, they can’t wait to try it, such a funny thing, and to anyone who has ever lost someone to a suicide don’t get all mad at us—it’s just a joke.

How can we not get mad? It is suicide pranks and jokes such as these that are disrespectful to what prevention advocates are fighting against in the world. To survivors, it’s even more disrespectful. To someone who doesn’t know what it’s like to encounter an event like that, it can be a constant reminder of that loss and creates the idea that people only treat it as a joke when in reality it’s a serious matter. I read comments from people on the prank videos how they lost someone to suicide and they try to explain how it’s not a laughing matter, and they just receive even more negative attention from others. Some people were even commenting and laughing to anyone in the video who lost it when walking into the situation thinking they just found their friend dead, and to anyone who tried to help them. When did it become okay to laugh at someone for wanting to potentially save a life?

Along with the pranks, the verbal cues which people use in everyday life is something that needs to change as well. Just as I mentioned on my Welcome page, I hear phrases such as “I would seriously kill myself” or “I’d throw myself off a bridge” being tossed around in many different situations from all kinds of people. These kind of phrases need to stop being used. I’m sure there is a better way to express any kind of stress or frustration that doesn’t have to include a notion of taking your own life. Those words hurt to hear if you’re a survivor, and they hit me twice as hard since I’m an advocate as well.

To my readers, I challenge you: listen to what others are saying when it comes to these topics on suicide. Is it really okay to make suicide references/jokes and then laugh about it later? Do you know someone who’s a survivor and know how they feel about these things? Stop using phrases like these, and don’t take part in any form of suicide prank. Encourage others to do the same. This is just one portion of the public conversation that needs to change, and is something that everyone can do. Suicide is no laughing matter—don’t let others make a joke out of it.

Coming to a Community Near You: Out of the Darkness Walks

There comes a time when all you need to do is put on a pair of tennis shoes, grab a water bottle, and go for a walk. Sounds simple, right? What if I told you that you can do this while also raising awareness for suicide prevention, and gather together in a community of suicide survivors to walk for a cause? That’s what the Out of the Darkness Walks are all about.

Supported by the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, the Out of the Darkness Walks are nation-wide events where people can join together and walk to save lives. Most ranging from a 3 to 5 mile walk, people can join teams and walk in honor of someone lost to suicide, or reflect upon their own struggle and experiences. It’s free to register, and any money focuses on donations towards the cause. Thousands each year also take part in the Out of the Darkness Overnight, the biggest walk for the cause. It’s a 16 to 18 mile walk, from dusk to dawn. That one may require a little more fundraising and workout routine to prepare for it…but anyone can still participate.

Luckily, I have started my own team for the second annual Out of the Darkness Walk in Boulder, Colorado and have started my own team: Advocate’s Stance. Why am I walking? I walk in honor to support my friends who I’ve lost and their family members, as well as my own dedication to the cause and what I have come stand by with the title “survivor.” A special event takes place at these walks, where walkers wear honor beads. Honor beads are necklaces like people wear at Mardi Gras, and each color symbolizes a survivor trait:

Everyone is encouraged to wear the beads, and I sure hope everyone will at least wear the blue one to show support.

I know some people may just roll their eyes, thinking this is just another event to donate money to. Part is to raise funds, yes, but it’s so much more than that. Survivors have the chance to join a community and meet new people who have experienced similar things they have, and relate in a deeper level to how suicide has affected people. The honor beads show your relation with one another, as well as our stories. Team members will walk in memory of a lost loved one or friend, and is a chance to heal and reflect. To people who aren’t survivors, shorten that gap of not understanding suicide and how it can affect others. Listen to amazing stories and learn what it means to be an advocate for the cause today. Visit http://www.afsp.org/out-of-the-darkness-walks for more information on the walks, and find one in your community today.

Want to join the Advocate’s Stance team and/or donate to the cause? Visit the CU Boulder walk page today!

 

Suicide Prevention in the Media and Entertainment Industry

It started out as something simple: word choice. How do you address the fact that someone had taken their life, without giving false information or influence behavior negatively that could potentially lead to a “copycat” suicide? How can the difference between the terms “a suicide” and “committed suicide” change how the public views this health issue? It became my topic for this week.

For anyone reporting or writing about suicide, whether you’re a journalist, blogger, screenplay writer, etc. there are several things to keep in mind on how to address the topic that aims it towards a positive, educational outcome, and help with preventing suicide.  My two focuses: the media and entertainment industry.

The Media

Through multiple nation-wide suicide prevention organizations, such as the American Association of Suicidology and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and public health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and multiple journalism schools, a document was developed for journalists to use that offers suggestions and tips on what to do when covering a story about suicide. Overall goals when reporting on a suicide should be helpful resources for those who may be at-risk, and bringing awareness to the public. Research studies have shown that news stories have often been linked to copycat suicides when the suicide method is described in great detail, uses dramatic headlines or images, and sensationalizes or glamorizes a death. Another tip is to avoid reporting a death by suicide that was caused by a single event, like a job loss for example, which could mislead the understanding of suicide. Major parts of the report should include suicide prevention experts, and includes facts such as what warning signs to watch for, resources for help, and current research studies. For more information on the media document collaboration and further questions, visit reportingonsuicide.org.

The Entertainment Industry

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention helped collaborate with a resource guide called Picture This: Depression and Suicide Prevention. This guide gives tips and ideas for people in the entertainment industry, ranging from character depiction in books, to covering suicide in a story, and even how it is presented onscreen in major motion pictures. It also includes facts such as risk factors, major statistics, and resources and warning signs that the public should be aware of.  There is even a section on “Special Language Concerns” and how our word choice can change the affect people may have on suicide. Some experts say to avoid the term “committed suicide” since the word “commits” carries the idea of committing a crime and can invoke a sinful behavior. The experts that helped create the guide, when asked the question, “If you saw depression or suicide addressed on television or in a film for three to five minutes, what are the most important aspects of the issue to communicate to audiences?” Five priorities were created, and all relate to ideas that public members should know about, such as treatment options, who it affects, current research, etc. Interwoven is ideas on how to present a suicide, if needed, in the entertainment industry and what information is being presented to audience members. This guide is packed with information that anyone in the industry or will be a pursuing a career in the entertainment world should know about when it comes to depicting a suicide.

 

Some of this may feel repetitive, but the media and entertainment industry are two major ways of communicating thoughts and ideas to the public, and how they cover a suicide story or depict it in a television show or film can change how people view suicide, and is a great opportunity to promote awareness and educate people on suicide prevention.

A Sit-down with Author Todd Mitchell

Backwards, by Todd Mitchell, tells the story of Dan, a teenager who decides to take his own life. After his death, his body becomes occupied by another being, of sorts, called the Rider. The Rider is now living Dan’s life backwards, starting from the day before his suicide and learns day by day what actions led up to Dan’s decision, and ultimately decides to try to help him. Not only is it an exciting, page turning novel, it also takes a new approach to the topic of suicide in young adult literature. Luckily, Mitchell is a professor at Colorado State University, the school which I’m attending, and I had the chance to sit down and talk about his ideas on writing Backwards and views on suicide prevention.

On writing Backwards:

I felt compelled to write Backwards after we had a very bad year at the university where I teach. Nine students killed themselves, and two of them were students I had connections to. Around the same time, one of my closest friends attempted to kill himself. I didn’t know how angry I was when I was writing the book. The journey from anger to more compassionate reflects the Rider’s journey as he sees Dan throughout the story.

 What are your main goals for the novel?

I wanted to take this stigmatized issue, not to provide solutions or answers, and instead create an opportunity to discuss some of these issues that needs to be talked about with teens. When it comes to counseling, it is a sign of strength—it’s a sign that someone’s willing to reflect, improve, and work on themselves. It’s very important to remember you need to find the right counselor—it’s a different relationship with friends, and helps untangle the knots that we have tightened. The question to ask yourself is could your life be better? I tell my students it’s a “class to take for yourself.”

 Views on suicide in young adult literature:

Some books on suicide were glorifying/justifying or reinforcing that fantasy of suicide…is it a good book for teens to read or propagating on suicide? People who could benefit from them are not the people picking them up…how do you get a person reluctant to read about suicide read about suicide: have a good story to pull them in, and show a level of compassion. A goal is to shifting the conversation that doesn’t have to be so sad…if teens view it as exploring and discuss what connects us to life.

“Living Backwards”:

[On the quotes at the beginning and ending of the novel] “Why” is always the question, but I’m not sure it’s the right one…not looking for a reason why, but why not? Everyday find that reason to go on. In the end, what matters is what reason we choose. For Dan it’s more of a habit of mind that he’s stuck in a cycle of self-hatred and blame. Humans can be self-destructive about our behavior, and in order to survive we have to think about why we’re drawn to these self-destructive behaviors. Suicide is a way looking in the person, like and Dan and the Rider’s self-destructive behaviors and how they get out of that.

 These were the main points to the subjects we talked about. For more information, or any questions, please feel free to leave a comment.

To find out more about Todd Mitchell and his other novels, check out his website!

K.M. Walton’s Empty: Reviewing Dell’s Life and Lessons

“Dear Reader, I did not write this book to sensationalize or shock. I intended Dell’s story to serve as a window into her soul—the soul of a broken human being. I wanted you, precious reader, to feel the pain of the bullied, the neglected, the heartbroken, and the humiliated. I wanted you to experience the absolute power of hateful words—whether said or typed online. Words count.” –Author’s note from K.M. Walton’s Empty

 Empty is a very interesting book. Telling the story of teenager Dell, the reader is thrown into the life of an overweight girl who lives in an unsupportive home, doesn’t have many friends, and is bullied at school because of her weight. She can’t play her favorite sport of softball anymore because she is fat, and her only friend is desperately trying to become popular, and Dell is only invited parties so people can make fun of her, including the guy she has a crush on, Brandon. Brandon—a guy who likes to watch Dell moo like a cow and act like a sumo-wrestler. Sounds like a great guy, right?

In this author’s second novel, Walton tries to address some realistic issues that teens today are facing: bullying, body issues, a broken home, addiction, and depression. Later on in the story, we unfortunately learn we can add rape to the list. These topics are major in young adult literature today, and as I read tons of reviews for this story, I could see where other teen girls had problems with the book, and how to deal with the ending. I’ll try not to give away any spoilers, but I am addressing it early on: there is a suicide trigger warning coming later in this review.

When I couldn’t come up with a solid answer what I liked and didn’t like about Empty, I read as many reviews as I could about the novel. Many people were rallying for Dell and were very sympathetic and compassionate towards her. They wanted for her to win at the end, and cried when she didn’t. One review stuck out with me, and I was appalled when I read it. Dell is obviously dealing with depression during the novel, and that’s what my main focus is always on when dealing with literature and seeing how authors handle the subject. After the popular kids in school comment on Dell’s picture on Facebook and call her a whale, she decides that enough is enough, and she wants to die. That review I just mentioned—the person said she was glad Dell decided to end her life, and end her pain.

While Walton stated in the author’s note the goal wasn’t to sensationalize or shock, it absolutely does. Here’s a spoiler and a trigger warning: Dell commits suicide, and the reader is left as Dell falls unconscious from drug overdose. That’s it. We don’t know if she is saved, but unfortunately I’m leaning towards the side that she didn’t. To any suicide survivor, whether an attempt survivor or if you lost someone, this is a huge trigger. I practically threw my book out the window when I first read it. I hated that Dell came to that point, that she did decide to kill herself. The author’s note after the book ends does not help much to those who are survivors or are contemplating suicide themselves after just finishing the novel. Yet, as much as I hated the ending because of the suicide trigger, Walton also does some good things when addressing the topic of suicide. Let’s start the list.

1) When Dell reads the Facebook comments about her photo, she becomes emotionally unstable and can’t cope with her feelings. This leads up to the point where she realizes she wants to die. This thought process can actually happen. I call this the “high stage.” This can be the mere moments before a person could commit suicide or decide that they are going to die. For some, it can be instant on what their actions are. For others, they can create a plan on how they’re going to do it. Someone I know who is an attempt survivor called this the “calm before the storm.” The person is calm and enthusiastic almost, since they have made their plan and know what they’re going to do. Walton presents this idea through Dell, and is one thing I appreciate how the topic is handled, since this is something that can happen in real life. All it can take is one trigger, and it can push a person over the edge, even something as simple as reading Facebook comments.

2) While reading about Dell’s thought process when writing a note, she thinks of her sister and other things that she’ll miss, and what she wants her death to mean. To me, it’s free of the “I’ll show them” stereotype that can be found in literature about depression and suicide. This is something to avoid, giving suicide the view of a glorifying death and trying to get back at the characters that affected the person. Dell doesn’t carry this idea with her, and for Walton, I give her credit.

3) In the end, we see Dell’s final thoughts. To anyone contemplating suicide, this may be a trigger or an idea for them on what to do. The author’s note goes give some comfort, and does reinforce the idea that suicide isn’t the answer. In hearing Dell’s story, Walton is trying to give hope to others to reach out and ask for help if they are struggling. Be aware of those around you, and ask them if they need help if you think they need it. Speak up for yourself, even if you are afraid. It can be terrifying, but it’s for your life. Speak out. For everyone else, listen and support them.

Empty is just one novel of many young adult literature novels that have come across my path. While the ending is a trigger and a shock for almost anyone who reads it, it is just one example of how people are trying to address the topic of suicide, and approach it in a new light that can give hope to others. With the trigger warnings stated, I think that more people need to read this book. Walton’s other novel Cracked is one I also recommend, as it also deals with teen suicide, but read with a warning: it might trigger you as well.

A Nation in Action, and How Everyone Can Help

 A Prioritized Research Agenda for Suicide Prevention: An Action Plan to Save Lives is a key piece to directing resources for research with preventing suicide in the US. With its list of objectives, the plan highlights what the short and long term goals are for the agenda plan, one goal being to save 20,000 in suicide attempt/deaths in the next five years. On the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention website there is listed four main priorities that have evolved from the agenda plan that will help change the US and how it views suicide through media influence, change health care policies to work in favor of those who are at-risk for suicide, and lower the number of suicides in the nation.

Goal number three is the one that jumped out at me: Change the public conversation around suicide and suicide prevention. While I do agree with the agenda plan and what its main goals are, while I’m not a very political person or have a huge nation recognition, this is one priority that anyone can get involved in and try to change as an advocate. The US is supposed to be one huge, supporting community where if you need help you will receive it. Suicide, however, is not a part of this description. It is still something being kept in the dark that people are afraid to talk about, or just plain don’t care. It is from lack of understanding, and seeing suicide in a negative light that affects how people receive help, or those who are afraid to do so. It is a serious matter to consider—someone’s life is literally on the line, and if people aren’t aware of the signs, someone’s life can be lost. Our nation needs to be educated on how to recognize these signs and know which resources are available to help others, or even themselves.

Talking to someone who is at-risk for suicide is not always the easiest thing in the world. People may not know what to say, how to act, and what resources to provide. Luckily, anyone can learn what to do if they find themselves in this situation. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has online fact sheets that gives different scenarios from interacting with a co-worker to managers and other professionals who may be at-risk, and provides tips on what to do. It lists statistics that everyone should know about suicide, such as suicide being the number 10 reason for death in the past years, and over 38,000 people committed suicide each year. Doesn’t seem much to you? How about the million people each year who attempt and fail, and now have to face the harsh criticism and lack of care that suicide survivors have to deal with.

While the idea may seem simple, these kind of tools that every person should know has enough impact to save a life. Basic knowledge and understanding  how people view suicide can change the outcome for those at-risk, and how the nation views suicide. We can achieve this goal of being a supporting community, and eventually end the negative views against suicide. This isn’t going to end overnight, but it is the first major step down the path to ending suicide that this country needs.

The Big Question: “Why?”

You must’ve a been in a place so dark, couldn’t feel the light

Reachin’ for you through that stormy cloud
Now here we are gathered in our little home town
This can’t be the way you meant to draw a crowd

[Chorus]
Oh why, that’s what I keep askin’
Was there anything I could have said or done
Oh I, had no clue you were masking a troubled soul, God only knows
What went wrong, and why you’d leave the stage in the middle of a song

Now in my mind I keep you frozen as a seventeen year old
Roundin’ third to score that winning run
You always played with passion no matter what the game
When you took the stage you shined just like the sun

[Chorus]

Yeah, yeah, yeah

Now the oak trees are swayin’ in the early autumn breeze
The golden sun is shining on my face
The tangled thoughts I hear a mockingbird sing
This old world really ain’t that bad a place

Oh why there’s no comprehending
And who am I to try to judge or explain
Oh, but I do have one burning question
Who told you life wasn’t worth the fight
They were wrong
They lied
And now you’re gone
And we cried

‘Cause It’s not like you, to walk away in the middle of a song

Your beautiful song

Your absolutely beautiful song         

-“Why” by Rascal Flatts, from their album Unstoppable

Such a sad, beautiful song. If you haven’t listened to it, you really should. This is a perfect example of what a suicide survivor can experience, emotionally and mentally when dealing with a suicide. Survivors are left with the unanswered questions, and the biggest of the lot: “Why?”

This question is used to help explain something we don’t understand. Humans seem to have a need to understand everything, or as much as we can. When that “why?” question isn’t answered, it can lead us distraught. For survivors, it can destroy us, if we let it.

This song represents the major ideas associated with suicide, and how one person can be affected by suicide. For some of us, a person lost to suicide can be a total shock and surprise to us—they were finding their feelings and pain so well we didn’t even now they were hurting. For others, we were aware the person was depressed or suicidal. But no matter how much information we knew/didn’t know, it hurts, a lot. I remember crying my heart out the first time I heard this song after one of my friends died by suicide, and as much as it hurt I couldn’t believe how much this song told the truth. We all question “why?” in our lives, and sometimes the toughest thing we can do as a survivor is stop questioning someone’s suicide. I’m not telling people this is the right thing to do—we all grieve differently, and there’s no set and stone way to deal with death, even with a suicide.

Rascal Flatts wrote this song because of their own experiences with suicide, and all of them are affected by it. As we all are. I’m an advocate, so I’m constantly keeping myself aware of what’s going on with those around me, and how the issue of suicide is being treated by the public. Every day I see the negative views associated with it, and it needs to end. For those who question what it may be like to lose someone to suicide, this song is the perfect example. I thank Rascal Flatts, and everyone associated with this song, for giving us all the idea of what it’s like to deal with a suicide loss. This is probably one of the most important songs that deals with suicide in our pop culture. Thank you.

“This old world really ain’t that bad a place” -Why