Life Lessons by Erin Kincaid: Resources for Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Rockwall, TX (September 17, 2024) – Last week, I was asked to participate in a suicide awareness and prevention event. My role was to contribute to one of the program’s events. The evening was filled with songs, presentations on various awareness resources, and a proclamation read aloud by city and county leadership. It was a poignant tribute to local families who have endured the unimaginable loss of a loved one to suicide.

Then, two incredibly brave individuals shared their stories. One was a family member who had faced the pain of losing someone, and the other was a courageous soul who spoke of his personal battle with depression and suicidal thoughts. As I listened, I found myself wanting to hear the stories of every person in that room. My heart ached for their losses. The stories of our loved ones never leave us, and there’s a unique kind of grief for those left behind—an emptiness that cannot be filled. Their stories matter.

Though our loved ones may have believed—something I’ll never understand—that the world would be better without them, the truth is, they were wrong. Suicide doesn’t end the pain. It multiplies it and leaves it in the hands of those left in its wake. The harsh reality of self-harm is that the ones who loved them most are left with endless questions, guilt, and the agonizing complexity of wondering what they could have done differently.

I have boundless compassion for those who can’t see another way out. If you are reading this and feel like there is no other option, I cannot begin to imagine your pain. You must have endured so much to feel this way. But please, know this: we need your story—on this side. Your story is not over, and you are not alone. Don’t believe the lie that no one cares for you or that no one is here to help. It’s not true.

You may need to take that first step—pick up your phone and dial 988 to speak to someone in real time who will listen to your pain. They can and will help you connect with the next person in your story—maybe a counselor, a pastor, your doctor, or an old friend who’s waiting to help. They want to be part of your journey, and they don’t want to join it from the seat of a grief and loss survivor’s group.

You matter. Yes, you hurt. The pain is overwhelming, and you may feel like you’ve run out of words to describe it. You don’t know how to take another step. But let us help write your story through this. Please, reach out. We want you here, with us.

Below are local resources for care. Please try one before you give up.

For those of you, family and friends, who have loved and lost to suicide, my prayers are with you. I am so very sorry and if you need help navigating this horrific pain, there are those right here in our community who want to stand in the gap.

Before you scroll along, please share this with someone you know. You never know who is hiding behind a brave face or pretending they are okay.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US): Call or text 988. Available 24/7 for free and confidential support.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Available 24/7.

Community Support Groups & Mental Health Providers with Intensive Outpatient

• Celebrate Recovery: A Christian 12-step program that addresses various forms of emotional and mental struggles, including depression and suicidal ideation.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Offers a range of support groups for those experiencing mental health struggles.
• Connections Wellness, Basepoint & Mindful Health –  offers a wide range of resources and groups for mental health care, located in Rockwall, Heath and Forney