First let me say please check on your strong friend people. Anyone can be screaming HELP! with a stoic face.  You  never know what battles or demons someone is fighting. Depression, anxiety, anger or suicidal thoughts are not always visible. Please take to time to ask your strong friend (or anyone for that matter) if they are okay. The most important thing  is to stick around and wait on an answer.  Mental illness does not have a class. We often equate wealth and riches with happiness. Sorry people, wealth does not equal happiness. Relationships are important. Smiles are important. Kindness is important.

It is okay to say you are not okay. No man is an island. If you are depleted and feel as if you need to replenish then say so and take good care of yourself. If you don’t know how to take care of yourself, ask someone.  It is okay. Don’t go at it alone.

I sat down at my computer to start work and of course plastered all over everywhere was the recent suicide of Anthony Bourdain. I read it and shook my head. I don’t know if I was scared, shocked or angry when I began this post, but I know something needed to be said. Weren’t we all just discussing the recent suicide of Kate Spade? How many people do you know have said that they have thought about suicide at least once?  Did you remember that day? You might have been out having what you thought was a good time. Meanwhile that person was in their own silent hell.

Let’s show up for one another. I am your strong friend, but I need someone too!

If you need to talk please call 1-800-715-4225 Suicide Prevention Line.