Piercing Thoughts

Whenever I open the Facebook app or any other social media tool on my phone, I expect to be bombarded with advertisements, election campaign messages or offseason sports announcements from teams trying to stay relevant with their seasons on the horizon.

On Friday, however, I climbed out of bed and opened my phone to a Facebook post from the La Crosse Area Suicide Prevention Initiative.

I was moved. I felt pain. I felt hope.

The La Crosse Area Suicide Prevention Initiative was introducing its new signs on the Cass Street and Cameron Street bridges. The bright blue signs host few words but deep meaning: “For emergency counseling call or text 988.”

I was stunned for a moment reading the post. Something about it struck me, but I couldn’t figure out why.

Then it punched me in the face. The date was Aug. 16, marking the fifth anniversary of Lillia’s death.

My friend Lillia died by suicide in 2019, a week before her 20th birthday. She was young, beautiful, strong-willed, immensely talented and as independent as a person could be. I still have the last text I ever received from her, sent in the early morning hours before daybreak. My response would never be answered.

Could I have saved her? If I had only been awake, could I have convinced her or reminded her how much she meant to so many people?

They are questions that still haunt me.

I have struggled with depression for my entire adult life. Dark nights and occasional negative spirals find me.

But the La Crosse Area Suicide Prevention Initiative’s project found me last week, too. I hope that it finds others either through word of mouth, in-person views or most importantly, application. I believe and hope that messages conveying support can be received and accepted for those struggling with depression or other mental health battles. 

I hope to see initiatives such as the signs grow in Trempealeau County. Listening to area school boards over the past few years, it is clear that students — our future — are struggling with mental health at higher rates than most have seen in the past.

Mental health conditions, including depression, were exacerbated by the COVID pandemic in 2020 — the World Health Organization reported a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide.

Contacting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 is free and can connect you with a counselor who is prepared to talk through your feelings and point you to further resources, if needed. 

Paying attention to your mental health is part of staying healthy. You matter. Your life matters.

Let’s keep the conversation around mental health and depression in the open. Talk about your feelings with those you love, educate yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.