There’s something New Year-ish about September, even if it’s been years since you’ve been near an educational institution. There’s a feeling of starting afresh, even if you didn’t have 6 or 8 or 10 weeks of vacation. If you do have kids in school, like me, it’s hard to resist buying them new uniforms or stationery. The flurry of the first day of term photos hides the reality of what the term will proffer misplaced PE kits and field trips, and packed lunches. But it is so beautiful to see the kids reconnecting with friends.
For me, September is particularly poignant, as we celebrate our wedding anniversary. After being married for over a decade, life can become a bit predictable/transaction-like. So, our anniversary was a chance to pause and see how far we’ve come as a couple – to reconnect and consider our dreams and plans for the coming year.
On the same day as our anniversary, we were asked to think about people who have, are considering and have considered changing their lives in a rather dramatic way – September 10 is National Suicide Prevention Day. One of the signs of someone considering ending their life is their withdrawal from contact, a lack of connecting.
Like all things mental health related there is a lot of stigma attached . For those who have lost their lives by their own hands, the pain they faced is unimaginable especially if like me you turn to less permanent ways to dull the aches: food, alcohol, shopping. And, every time there is a high profile suicide (and there’ve been a few this year), there is a spike in the number of people who attempt to take their own lives and many succeed.
So at this kinda-but-not-quite-new-year time, I’m asking you to connect or reconnect with a friend or a family member. You could be saving a life.
Who are you going to reconnect with?
