Category: Suicide

Out of the Darkness heart – #griefheart number 147

There is a walk for suicide awareness and prevention called “Out of the Darkness” walk. I am participating on #TeamCharlesRVA this weekend to celebrate his life and that of others we’ve lost to suicide. To acknowledge our loved ones and their struggle and bring awareness to a subject that needs more conversation.

The color white is for those of us who have lost a child by suicide and this white ribbon represents that. This will be my first Out of the Darkness walk.

What is the #griefheart project?

I explain my #griefheart project here.

See all #griefhearts… Read more...

Heroin writes me a letter back

falling-powder

Dear Anne Moss,

I got your letter. You said you f-ing hated me but I could care less.

I am heroin, the most powerful drug in the world.

I am so entrenched in your culture, it will take decades to undo the damage. Your son was just another casualty. I don’t even remember him. How could I? I’ve killed millions, ruined millions of lives and torn apart families.

I have more control over your loved ones than you ever had. You have no control over me and it’s so pathetic to watch you try.

What’s more, I keep changing in both form and … Read more...

Radio interview with Kay Thomas from Alpha Media in Richmond, VA

I got a call to fill in for Shirley Ramsey, board member for the Virginia Chapter of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, for a radio interview with Kay Thomas of Alpha Media, which owns several radio stations in the area.

The subject was the Out of the Darkness Walk in Richmond, VA.

out-of-darkness-walk-radio-interview

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7 reasons I think we are seeing more teen depression

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How does someone go back to school after a suicide attempt?

Post Updated 01/2020

With suicide attempts so prevalent, what are we doing about transitioning kids from psychiatric hospitals back to the school environment?

Transitioning kids back to school after a suicide attempt should be similar to integrating a child who had missed school for major surgery or cancer treatments. In other words, you treat that absence like you would any other major absence and follow the same policy you have for that transition.

The following is the ideal scenario, however, some rural and smaller schools don’t have these kinds of resources so follow what you can when you can.

Social and

… Read more...

Facebook LIVE: Coming back to life after a suicide attempt

See this on Facebook (has all the comments)
Important highlights:
  • Recovery from mental illness is ongoing and not always perfect
  • Medication is a customized process that will take time
  • Suicide is the result of mental illness and seeing no other way out
  • For some, medication is an absolute necessity to prevent suicidal ideation and maintain a livable life
  • Family and a support system is vital to maintaining a recovery with mental illness
  • Looking for a therapist? If you can’t get a referral look online for your mental illness issue and then ask the receptionist
  • How do you broach the subject
… Read more...

A story of hope: I never thought I would be alive to see graduation

by Carly Stansfield

Carly Stansfield 18 years old
Carly Stansfield 18 years old

If I had to describe myself in one word, it would be fighter. Throughout my whole journey I have had to fight day in and day out to find happiness. I have had to fight for the one thing I have always wanted the most, full recovery.

For those who don’t know me, here is my story

I’ve always had insecurities and struggles–the biggest was separation anxiety from my mom.

In elementary school, I remember running to my mom who worked at the school, and clinging to her as my teacher pulled me off. I know now … Read more...

Facebook LIVE: Coming back to life after a suicide attempt

This live event is recorded and you can find it here

Join me with guest Summer DeCoste as she tells her story about coming back to life after a suicide attempt. What’s recovery like? Medication? How has stigma affected recovery? Submit questions! This is Summer’s first time speaking out on this subject.

Sunday, September 11, 2016
6:30-7pm on my Facebook page

A recording will be posted on the site after the event in case you can’t attend. Send your questions if you have any!

Facebook Invite

Click going or interested to get updates. This is where I’ll post a link to … Read more...

My owner died by suicide. Will you walk with us in his honor?

Hi, my name is Andy Rogers and I am going to walk with my family in the AFSP Out of the Darkness walk in Richmond, VA for suicide awareness and prevention. I would love for you to be on Team Charles with me or donate to Andy Rogers’ page if you cannot be there to walk.

Charles used to throw the ball with me all the time. And I used to sleep with him in his bed. He would sneak food to me when our mom was not looking. He took me on walks, laughed when I chased rabbits and … Read more...

Looking for an 18-25 year old suicide attempt survivor in Richmond, VA

tumblr_nb8hefbdmE1snfb0yo1_r1_400September is suicide awareness month.

For my Facebook LIVE event on Sunday, September 11 from 6:30pm-7pm, I’d like to have a 18-28 year old suicide attempt survivor join me to talk about what he/she went through and offer a message that raises awareness and inspires hope.

I consulted with a board member at the Virginia Chapter of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention for the guidelines below in finding this person.

Here’s what I’m Looking For

  • Male or female, age 18-28. It can be two people although we will be crowded. But I’m up for it.
  • A suicide attempt survivor
… Read more...

I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this any more

I love this scene. One of my favorites of all time from the memorable 70’s movie, Network. I have not seen a movie this good in years. It illustrates how frustrated I feel about the loss of so many lives of young people especially in the last few years

How many thousands more kids do we have to lose to overdose and suicide before we make genuine change? Before we talk more openly? Before we demand more affordable treatment options for people with mental illness? Before we declare addiction as a disorder and not a moral failing?

How do … Read more...

Cal’s Song – by Charles Aubrey Rogers

Strong emotional content and suicide method referenced. If you are in crisis, text “help” to 741-741 or call 988

The irony in this rap song is downright eerie. And the bullying Cal endured ate at Charles.

Cal died by suicide almost exactly 2 years to the day before Charles did and by the same method. I don’t think Charles’ death was in any way a copycat. Charles wrote two songs that I have but I am sure in his lost notebooks he had others about Cal.

In the history of the wilderness program he attended in Clayton, GA, no two … Read more...

Before and After

Ever since my son Charles died by suicide in June of 2015, I categorize everything as either before his death or after.

His death literally split my life in two and I am forever changed.

I still instinctively scan family photos taken after his death looking for him.

Read more at The Gift of the Second… Read more...

Darkness

morninglight

Charles’ friend Michael’s brother sent this to me to share. Thank you for sharing Thomas. Keep writing! I can feel this in my soul. It will help other young adults to know they are not alone. Readers, please comment. 

by Thomas Stewart

Better off asleep
I don’t wanna think
But shit I’m still counting sheep
Cleaning the vomit from the sink
I know that they love me
I know that they care
But they can’t fuckin’ see
Its my final frontier.
I’m flooded with tears
Hit it and shit disappears
Death I don’t fear
Shit, it’s invited
Me? I’m excited… Read more...

Join us in Richmond VA for Out of the Darkness Walk #suicideprevention, #TeamCharlesRVA

AFSP Out of the Darkness Team Charles 2017 is here.

Join Team Charles for the AFSP (American Foundation of Suicide Prevention) for the Out of the Darkness walk on September 17, 2016.

If you can’t walk, consider a donation. Any amount is fine.

Charles Rogers was my son that died by suicide June 5, 2015. He was 20 years old and suffered from depression and addiction. I would ask that you please donate at least $25 for the walk. But if you do not have that, just come walk with us anyway!

Walk Date: 09/17/2016
Walk Location: Deep Run … Read more...

She’s just trying to get attention

attentionseek

“She took all those pills just to get attention.”

“You know that phone call was just a cry for help.”

I have heard these phrases frequently as it relates to suicide attempts over the last few years.

Please never make the mistake of writing off a suicide attempt as “attention seeking.” Because a second attempt has a higher potential of completion.

What about when people are crying out for help? Then yes. That’s exactly what they are trying to get.

Attention.

How else do you get help? And why do we make asking for attention or crying for help such a negative thing?

Personally, … Read more...