Holiday Suicide Prevention

Hapa Mag - December 11, 2019

By Alex Chester

 

According to the CDC, the suicide rate is much lower during the holiday season. This, however, doesn’t mean people should be less vigilant of depression amongst loved ones during  “the most wonderful time of the year.”

I think it is important to remember that depression is real, and just because a friend or a family member is putting on a happy face, this doesn’t mean they are not depressed and experiencing thoughts of suicide.

If you or a loved one is feeling like you have no other option but to end your life, I beg you to please reach out to a friend or family member for help. You are important, and you matter! There are other people out there who feel just as you do, and you are not alone. Please, please do not harm yourself. The world will be a sadder and darker place without you in it. I may not know you personally, but I do know this: there are people out there who love and care for you. If you are contemplating suicide please call one of these hotlines for help:

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

American Prevention for Suicide Prevention

Help Guide Suicide Prevention

 
A headshot of a mixed Asian woman smiling at the camera. She is wearing a hawaiian floral snapback hat and a black mesh top

Alex Chester is the creator and producer of the theatre company WeSoHapa — a theatre based on diversity and inclusion. She is a New York City based columnist for On Stage Blog and contributing writer for ManhattanDigest.com and HuffPo. She also hosts a podcast with fellow writer Melissa Slaughter, We're Not All Ninjas. Follow her on Twitter/Instagram @AlexFChester if you like food and cats.