This is more often than not a “feel good” piece. I’ll admit that. I’ve never thought it was my place to be critical or negative. I try to be encouraging while hopefully teaching lessons about health, sports, and wellness.
I even try and be positive even while discussing tough
topics. I understand the health implications of obesity but I know that
sometimes it is complicated. I hate smoking but love the smoker (unless they
get too close). I preach against those that don’t take care of their health but
believe with all my heart that we should take care of those that can’t take
care of themselves.
Recently a local high school athlete took her own life.
There is nothing but darkness to be found in that. I didn’t know her but I know
several of her friends.
A teenager, entering the prime of her life, who was
struggling with something so immense that she decided to end it. Someone
suffering such pain that she saw only one way out.
It’s devastating to think about as a parent or grandparent.
Such a future, such a life…gone before she really had a chance to show what was
to come. I can’t imagine the pain.
Yet, it can happen to any of us. No one is immune. We can be
close to our kids but we cannot know everything about them. And it seems to be
far more common among athletes than you would think. Athletes succeeding at
sports that they love, surrounded by a sound support system.
Reports have suicide up 30% in Blount County. Nationwide,
teenage suicides are up by 40%. The isolation imposed by Covid restrictions are
likely contributing to those figures.
Maybe sports are part of the problem. Maybe the emphasis on
winning and success and scholarships is just too much for some. Maybe it is too much for someone one too
young to fathom the depths of despair and disappointment. Maybe it is
overwhelming for them to deal with a level of stress that their young minds
cannot comprehend.
I would not begin to understand all that can go wrong. Kids
that are loved and in stable families doing this unthinkable final act. Ending
their pain in the only way that they think is available to them.
I want to shout it to the mountain tops—there IS help
available.
But you’ve got to talk to somebody. Talk to your school’s
guidance counselor. They are trained to deal with these things. Talk to a youth
pastor or someone around kids doing ministry like Young Life or FCA. There are
good people around that will listen and help you.
You may think that there is no way a professional counselor
could help you deal with your problems but they can. Whatever your problems
are.
Bubba Hooker is a well-known local youth leader in our
community. Bubba has himself been touched by suicide. Bubba told me “I’m sick
of seeing our kids die and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to stop it.” He
and Roger Murphy, local educator, minister, and youth advocate, have plans to
put a group together to try and make a difference in Blount County.
I know that probably the hardest thing in the world to you
would be to tell your parents how you feel. That’s understandable. But you’ve
got to tell someone. A family friend. A teacher. A coach. Someone.
Just know that nothing is too much to overcome but you’ve
got to have help.
