Suicide: The Sad Truth about this Bridge

When I went to work the other day my heart grew sad. You meet different kinds of people everyday usually feeling the worst they ever have. As a nurse you walk in anticipating possible symptoms based on a chief complaint, often forgetting that feelings can have just as much of an effect on the health of a person especially on those who fail to want to live, the sad and broken hearted.

Photo credit: http://newsok.com/article/feed/285759

People drive from all over the world to enjoy the sheer beauty of this bridge and all the outdoor activities the area has to offer, but this bridge also holds a sad and terrifying truth. People travel here to end life itself. Locks line this bridge in left in the memory of those lost, while others signify a love shared.

Photo credits:
https://www.rubbertrampartist.com/tag/rio-grande-gorge-bridge/
https://www.rubbertrampartist.com/tag/rio-grande-gorge-bridge/
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g47224-d281481-i189653280-Rio_Grande_Gorge_Bridge-Taos_Taos_County_New_Mexico.html

During my travels to this beautiful place I heard stories of the young and the old taking their lives. During my six month assignment in New Mexico one attempt was made per month, one in two lives stolen forever. The concerned have made changes to the bridge including suicide hotline boxes to link possible victims directly to a crisis counselor. There are signs posted reminding people there is hope and beauty in life and to please use the box if they are feeling vulnerable.

Photo Credit: http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/suicide-deterrents-at-rio-grande-gorge-bridge-gain-momentum/article_d763981b-dcef-580a-843a-6780eccab626.html

There have been discussions regarding a safety net surrounding the bridge, but the project itself could be extremely dangerous due to high winds and the infrastructures inability to support the extra weight. The cost could climb from the millions to billions and would prove to be too costly for residents to fund. One other contemplated problem is that it will have no effect on the outcome. The Gorge Rio Grande extends for hundreds of miles, making it impossible to secure an area so expansive

Photo credit:https://askdrnandi.com/game-social-media-driving-teens-commit-suicide/

I felt I should write about this topic as it is something real. Please I urge you, do not ignore the Signs of Suicide and do not ignore the people who show them. If a person threatens to hurt themselves, it is a cry for HELP because they are unable to help themselves. I've heard of family and/or friends who are "fed up" with the actions and grow tired of the threats made by family or friends. I urge you to stand by them, to set those feelings aside, and continue to fight for their life. It is often when the support system is lost that all hope is lost. The world is already filled with enough HATE, especially in the era of social media at our fingertips, comments, posts, tweets, texts have been linked to claiming a life. "One person dies by suicide every 40 seconds somewhere in the world" - Suicide.org

I urge you to "Think before you speak, tweet, text, post, comment"

If you feel alone, reach out:

Photo credit:http://www.supportourribbons.com/custom-ribbon-magnet-sticker/21503/National+Suicide+Prevention+Lifeline+++1-800-273-8255

If you would like to support the effort being made at the Rio Grande (A mother's mission after losing her son):
http://gorgebridgesafetynetwork.org

Statistics credit:
www.suicide.org/international-suicide-statistics.html

As always Steemians, thanks for reading!

PEACE, LOVE, and PROSPERITY -V-