Meghan Markle - Royalty In My Eyes

Friend, did you see the Meghan Markle and Prince Harry interview? I did too, and it left me shook. Shook because it was relatable, shook because I know the feeling, and shook because of the courage Megan Markle and Price Harry exhibited.

See, growing up I have always been a little different. I never dreamed about being a princess, or even a wife! I have always had different dreams; dreams of providing for my family and helping others. But I have friends, African American and Latinx friends that I know grew up with dreams of being a prince/princess and living in the Royal Palace. My question to them today would be: Do you still?

I do not want to get into too much detail of what was said during the interview (you should watch it when you have a chance), I want to touch on what I thought was important, and here it is …. The suicide talk (honestly, I have been dreading it for so many reasons).

“I knew that if I didn’t say it, I would do it. I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.” – Meghan Markle

Meghan's words hit me hard - have you ever been there? I have, and its such a hard feeling to grasp, to know your capable of taking your own life if your left alone in that very moment. You cannot just randomly stop the thoughts, it’ll always be there, no matter how hard you try!

Suicide refers to when someone harms themselves with the intent to end their life. The reasons that people attempt suicide varies but they often involve severe emotional/physical pain that a person finds unbearable.

Although some people who commit suicide have an identifiable mental health problem, like depression or addiction, others don’t. Some talk about wanting or planning to kill themselves or give other hints, others don’t. The decision to commit suicide might be made minutes or hours before it happens.

What prompts a person to take his or her life? No one really knows—experts never get to talk to people who have committed suicide. They can only talk to those who are contemplating suicide or who survived it.

Every suicide is different. Many are caused by intense feelings of anger, pain, and hopelessness. Things that can put an individual at a higher risk for suicide in the short term include:

• Depression, psychosis, or anxiety

• a significant loss

• a personal crisis or life stress

• loss of social support

• an illness or medication that triggers a change in mood

• exposure to the suicidal behaviors of others

We all face crises or problems like these. The difference is that individuals who take their own lives were unable to withstand such pain or hopelessness they can’t see any other way out.

Warning signs someone may feel suicidal:

• becoming anxious

• being more irritable

• being more confrontational

• becoming quiet

• having mood swings

• acting recklessly

• sleeping too much or too little

• not wanting to be around other people

• avoiding contact with friends and family

• having different problems with work or studies

• saying negative things about themselves.

Ways to help someone having suicidal thoughts:

• let them know that you care about them and that they are not alone,

• show empathy

• be non-judgmental

• repeat their words back to them in your own words (this shows that you are listening).

• ask about their reasons for living and dying and LISTEN

• reassure them the feelings they are feeling now are temporary

• encourage them to focus on getting through the day rather than focusing on the future,

• ask them if they have a plan for ending their life & Ask what the plan is

• encourage them to seek help that they are comfortable with.

• follow up any commitments that you agree to

• make sure someone is with them if they are in immediate danger

• try to get professional help for the person feeling suicidal, and

• get support for yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Understand this blog was a challenge for me to write this week. I don't express my true self much to the world, but I am learning. I'm learning the more open I am, the more lives I can change (and potentially save) and there's a part of me that knows that is what i'm here to do - TO CHANGE LIVES!

To Meghan and Prince Harry,

Thank you both so much for your honesty, bravery, and courage. I felt every word you said in the interview and I know someone else did too. I know a life was saved yesterday, I know someone thought twice about their suicide attempt. We now have a damn good example of not one, but TWO survivors.

THANK YOU!

National Suicide Prevention Hot Line: 1-800-273-8255 or 911

Always feel free to email me at anytime!

Thank you all so much for tuning in. Do not forget to Like, Comment and Share <3