A dear friend tried to kill herself on Thanksgiving...

[AnArmyVeteran]

A long time friend who is one of the most gentle and beautiful spirits in this world reached her breaking point on Thanksgiving night. She took a knife and plunged it into her chest trying to reach her heart. She almost succeeded.

She has been unemployed for a long time and she knew the small amount of money she was getting in unemployment compensation was going to be terminated this week. The lack of uncertainty about her financial future, coupled with the extreme stress of trying to find a job overwhelmed her.

My friend is the most kind, sweet and gentle person I believe I've ever known. She has such a beautiful spirit who brings such peace to everyone near her. But the peace that radiates from her is in direct contest to the turmoil she feels inside.

Like a lot of sensitive and caring people, she is also very timid and vulnerable. In addition to the total fear she has been feeling an ex-boyfriend has floated in and out of her life causing her even more stress. It also seems as if many in her family are very condemning and unsupportive, so that added even more to her burdens.

She was staying at another friend's house since the first of summer and she seemed to be holding her head above water. But as she realized losing her unemployment checks became more and more a certainty, she decided to kill herself with a long knife.

It rips my heart out to realize how close she came to ending her life. And she is just one of millions who are facing the same fears throughout our country. People have varying abilities to cope with their circumstances, but even the strongest people can become overwhelmed by life.

I can't even comprehend people who are so callous and filled with hate they have no empathy or compassion for their fellow man. What kind of a country are we becoming where helping the needy is even a debatable issue?

I'm asking everyone to send thoughts of strength, hope and peace to not only my friend, but to the tens of millions of others like her who are living with constant fear and uncertainty.

My friend is in the hospital and is now in stable condition. She is receiving blood every couple of days and she is conscious and able to communicate. Although she is getting her physical needs met, she also needs our thoughts and prayers.

Thanks for helping...

[Joanne98]

1. That's terrible. I wonder how many others will do the same thing.

[Richard D]

72. Or already have n/t

[PeaceNikki]

2. I am so sorry for you and your friend and all who love her.

:(

I hope things get better soon. Peace and love. :hug:

[Kadie]

3. .

:hug:

[polly7]

4. I'm so sorry. Sending healing thoughts and hope for much better.

[madmax]

5. I'm sorry for your pain and especially

for your friend. The best you can do for her is listen and be there for her when she wants to talk. You're both in my thoughts. :hug:

I lost a dear friend to suicide last December.

[Jim__]

6. So sorry to hear that.

I'm glad that she is in stable condition. I hope something happens to alleviate her concerns.

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. Dear God! I am so sorry. She has all the vibes I can muster. *hugs*

[BrklynLiberal]

8. That is a heartbreaking story...and sadly, one that not so uncommon nowadays.

There are so many of us who are out here wondering what will happen when that last check comes...

I am so sorry for your pain, and that of your dear friend.

I hope that she will finally be able to get the help and support she needs. It is horrific that she had to take
such an extreme step in order to get help.

Sending white light and positive energy out to you both.

[RainDog]

9. condolences

this is what this nation does to people. because our govt is worthless and filled with corrupt, heartless fuckers.

[happygoluckytoyou]

41. yes--- they would rather foot the HOSPITAL bills, and pay unemp. than CREATE JOBS---> -->

AND WHAT JOBS YOU MIGHT ASK...... FIXING THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ONE....

AND THE MONEY WOULD COME FROM WHERE...... 1) LESS TO UNEMPLOYMENT BECAUSE PEOPLE WOULD BE WORKING 2) FROM THE WEALTHY BECAUSE SINCE THEY OWN EVERYTHING THEY SHOULD PAY FOR ITS REPAIR 3) FROM THE MEDICAL ESTABLISHMENT WHO WOULD NOT HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE

DO THE MATH....

OH YES.... MUST BE THAT CLASS WARFARE THING

[Systematic Chaos]

10. I'm so sorry.

I hope things will get better for your friend.

[AnArmyVeteran]

73. Thanks to all who responded. There are so many great people on this site.

[MedicalAdmin]

11. Sigh.

"This is a tale filled with woe"


I have also contemplated eating a gun, but I haven't yet. It seems to me that this is not an option, at least until I have more life insurance in place (joke). Your friend has been pushed up against a wall. I hope her family realizes that she needs help and then gives it if they can.

[Bette Noir]

28. Are you okay? It's hard to tell where the joke starts.

A friend of a friend killed himself on Thanksgiving, also because of losing his job.

My husband has also been out of work for several months (I'm disabled, but ineligible for SS). Luckily for us, we have enough savings to last us until he's eligible for SS retirement.

[laughingliberal]

45. Very sorry to hear about your friend.

:hug:

[renate]

58. I'm not sure what to say but I can't say nothing

I can't blithely tell you that ending it all would be worse than going through whatever you're going through, because it's not for me or anyone to decide whether another person's pain is unendurable, but I can tell you that ending it all ends it... it ends any chance of things getting better. And things, although there are admittedly no guarantees, probably will get better... time and life have a way of ebbing and flowing. Please don't miss out on the good stuff that's ahead for you.

:hug:

[madmax]

76. No

it is not an option. Life is not stagnant, change happens. You won't know if you quit. :hug:

[Desertrose]

12. I'm so sorry. Such a sad story.

This is just not right...what has become of our country to be so callous and cruel to those who need help most.

She is lucky to have you as a friend.

Sending love & hope your way.

[kimi]

13. Ohhhh. . .

Vibes for your friend, absolutely. I hope that while she's hospitalized maybe Social Services can work something out for her.

How awful that she felt so pushed up against a wall. Best wishes. You're a good friend. I feel badly for all of those out there in her place.

[Vinca]

14. How sad. I've noticed an increase in suicides in our area and

things are not as bad here as elsewhere. If only this had an impact on the people who can change things in Washington. Bring our jobs back from overseas for starters. My best to your friend.

[ejpoeta]

50. unfortunately it does not affect those in washington so they don't fucking care.

they have set themselves up real nice and the rest of us get to fight over scraps. suicide is sadly a permanent solution to a temporary problem. i hope this woman's family will help now that they have a second chance to do so. that poor woman.

[crikkett]

89. as much as I sympathize I don't think we want the jobs that we sent overseas

they're dirty, awful, polluting factory jobs, mostly. The poor folks making our microsoft and apple computers over at FoxConn are offing themselves too, no matter how many 'safety nets' go up to prevent it.

We need to grow new jobs that repair and replenish our environment.

[cleanhippie]

15. Wow, how tragic. I hope she gets the help she needs. My sympathies to you and her.

[dkf]

16. So so sorry.

People need jobs! Living on unemployment is just being perched on a precipice.

[Deep13]

17. This country has a way of chewing up and spitting out kind, sweet and gentile persons.

I'm sorry for her situation and her sense of hopelessness. I am glad she failed in her attempt.

[Permanut]

18. Thank you for reporting this..

K & R, and kind thoughts and prayers to you both. This story NEEDS to be told.

[gratuitous]

23. Indeed it does

And perhaps it should be told to your elected Representative. Right now, Congress and the talking chuckleheads seem far more concerned with large corporations feeling "secure" and "stable" enough to do something with the record profits they garnered this past year. AAV's friend is an example of what true instability looks and feels like, rather than worrying about having to pay another three cents on the dollar for "earnings" above a quarter million a year.

We need to refashion our system so that it is more responsive to the people, instead of just the affluent. The wealthy seem to be doing all right; how about governing for the rest of us now?

[raccoon]

19. I am so sorry to hear that, Veteran. I hope she will be all right. nt

[joeybee12]

20. That's so sad...good thoughts and vibes for you and your friend

:grouphug:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

21. wishing her healing energy and peaceful vibes. May she find the strength to carry on.

and may the on again, off again boyfriend disappear.

[peace13]

22. Energy and love is sent your way.

Peace and love, Kim

[Loki]

24. There was a time in my life

I felt that isolated and desperate, I remember that pain. Sending her my healing thoughts and hope she will recover both physically and mentally.

Peace

Lee

[DesertFlower]

25. so sorry. sending positive thoughts.

[Zax2me]

26. You sound like she means a lot to you.

Though I'm certain you already do what I'm about to say, going to say it anyway.
Take unusual time to set aside and spend it with her when she recovers.
In other words, take time outside your normal interaction with her to go to the park. Or window shop.
Or talk pets - or get her one if she is interested.
Maybe if she realized no matter the situation how much she means to you her spirits will rise.
I'm sure she may know already and you do show it, but sometimes people really down need to be shown more often and maybe in different ways.
She sounds like a wonderful person and if she sees the same in you and how much you care then I hope with as much certainty possible you both have a great future - good times and bad.
I've had close family members get this way and stepped up my efforts past phone calls and the occasional visit. MADE them interact with my life, showed them my life and happiness revolved around their well being.
Telling you nothing I'm sure you haven't already been through in your own mind - just wish the best for the both of you.

[nyc 4 Biden]

27. she is in my prayers...

:grouphug:

[Name removed]

29. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MsPithy]

33. If you give up, Republicans win.

That's what they want, for the middle class to sit down, shut up, or die. That's why Republicans want to destroy the middle class, make us constantly worry about where our next meal is coming from so they can lie, cheat and steal with nobody watching or protesting. Doesn't that make you angry? Don't let Republicans get away with destroying you and the middle class, use your voice. Please try some form of activism before you make a permanent decision that will make life easier for the... "great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money." (Thanks to Matt Taibbi for this great description.)

[godzilla123a]

34. It's not giving up.

It's removing yourself from the equation.

[Mimosa]

30. AnArmyVeteran, your friend MATTERS.

Please tell her she matters and people care about her situation.

[EC]

31. And Republicans have the nerve to complain about

"the uncertainy of the tax cuts for the rich" causing them distress...

[Withywindle]

32. Oh, this makes me so sad.

I'm very glad she survived. But she's going to have a long road to heal, and she NEEDS security and stability, and it seems those things are only for the wealthy and lucky these days. Cruel world indeed.

You're a good friend. Take care of her, and yourself. :hug:

[midnight]

35. Your friend is in my thoughts and prayers... Currently resources

for those in need of unemployment monies are getting so much run around. Your friend, unfortunately highlights an unneccessary injustice entilted members of the ruling class choose to ignore in order to continue with their undeserved entitlment programs....

[Subdivisions]

36. This is so, so sad. What is happening to us? n/t

[beforeyoureyes]

37. There are suicides and attempts every day because of this endless capitalistic greed

[Tsiyu]

38. Thoughts of peace and healing to your friend and you

It is the sensitive, beautiful soul who has the hardest time with the narcissistic actions of our government and corporations and Wall St.

Good people and sensitive people internalize the "you don't matter" message - and that IS their main message - coming out of DC, Wall Street and the corporate overlords hoarding their cash like Scrooge on steroids.

Our politicians living on Easy Street, collecting their hush money and having everything they need provided for them should hang their collective heads in shame. They plunged the knife in her chest before she ever thought about it.


Such desperation to do such a thing to oneself, because it seems better than the alternative- waiting to starve to death - just breaks the heart.

I wish I could hold your friend's hand, and tell her it will be okay, but then the last would be a lie...


Thanks for letting us know about her. Tell her she does matter to all of us, as do you.


:grouphug:

[musette_sf]

39. And there you have

the Republican plan to deal with everything:

DIE QUICKLY.

[bulloney]

40. Meanwhile, millions of others acted like materialistic idiots

in preparation for or participation in Black Friday. They accumulated more debt than they could afford, but they'll worry about that later.

Gotta have this, that and the other thing. Don't know why, but the TeeVee said these things are what every shopper should get this Christmas. And I'll waste my Thanksgiving sitting outside of the WalMart in freezing weather for hours and run over anyone in my way when they open the doors.

[InvisibleTouch]

42. What's additionally tragic...

...is that now she will have horrendous hospital bills on top of everything else, and the long painful physical recovery.

Speaking from personal experience, though, sometimes you have to nearly die, quite literally, in order to be "reborn" with a new determination and focus. I hope this turns out to be the case for your friend.

[dogday]

43. No problem is worth dying for. It will all get solved. that is

the stage of life. We have a problem, we overcome the adversity. She is feeling hopeless beyond belief. No support system. I will say you will need to be her support system and let her know everything will work out. It always does.

I say this with a certainty because of what is going on in my life, I can speak with experience regarding dying. To live is all I want to do, I will not get that choice, and I envy your friend for having it, believe it or not.

[WheelWalker]

82. Blessings.

[myrna minx]

44. My heart is breaking.

:hug: My heart is with you and your dear friend.

[Swamp Rat]

46. Give her a hug for me

A big, warm hug from New Orleans. :hug:

[laughingliberal]

47. I am so sorry to hear about your friend. My thoughts & prayers are with her & with you. nt

[NuclearDem]

48. I'm sorry...she's lucky to have a good friend like you

Just let her know it all gets better--because it does. There's so much to live for, even if it seems like everything's going to hell.

We're all here for her! :grouphug:

[33Greeper]

49. Thoughts and Prayers

Watch over her.

[blondeatlast]

51. More than happy to do so. Sending a special prayer for her recovery

and please let her know of all the warmth sent her way in this thread. I know very well the healing powers of DU love.

:hug:

[lunatica]

52. This made me cry

Give your dear friend our best wishes. No one should be that desperate. Ever.

And hugs to you too AnArmyVeteran. It's obvious this has affected you profoundly.

[catrose]

53. And now she has more problems

stemming from being in the hospital without insurance. I had chest pains a few weeks ago and came out after an overnight observation $30,000 in debt. I do have insurance; so maybe I'll have only $7000 to pay.

Sorry for the divergence. I'm just thinking of how she'll feel, trying to cope with even more bills, even if they're eventually written off through Medicaid, which isn't automatic. I hope someone can guide her through the process. I do send her thoughts of healing and renewal and pray that those near her will be moved to compassion. Comfort to you as well, ArmyVet, and thank you for your service.

[WillyT]

54. Wow...

(((((((Love)))))))

(((((((Strength)))))))

(((((((Peace)))))))

:grouphug:

[MindandSoul]

55. I am sending your friends all the positive energy and wish for healing that I have!

[shanti2]

56. I fully understand

how desperate she is feeling.

[Dappleganger]

57. Depression is a dark abyss...

I truly hope that she is able to find people to help her out of it.

:hug:

[jimmil]

59. I can sympathize with her...

I don't think that people who decide to kill themselves are crazy. They have thought about their lives for months, years, and ending their life is the only way that they can end the pain in their heart. It is crushing and they often think that by ending their life they make things better for others by relieving those closest to them of their burden. They rationalize that by ending their life it will better other's lives.

I wish I had answers for them. Their souls are really tortured.

[glitch]

60. I am glad she has a friend in you.

:hug:

[OneGrassRoot]

61. I join you, AnArmyVeteran

I am so very, very sorry about your friend.

There is so much pain and suffering out there, and it's growing. :cry:

I do join you in sending "thoughts of strength, hope and peace" to those feeling so tired and vulnerable, and I offer abundant virtual hugs to all who can use them.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[tomm2thumbs]

62. she is blessed by you, AnArmyVeteran

sending all good energies your way and hers

[SalmonChantedEvening]

63. All my hopes, with all my heart.

Fot your friend AAV, and for you.

:loveya:

[awoke_in_2003]

64. I was cruising the TV...

and the Travel Channel had a program on Mega Yachts. Seems more are being built then ever before. It was truly sickening when compared to how far too many in this country have to live.

[KT2000]

65. They are taking away hope

and your friend felt that deeply. She is getting negative messages all around her.
Sending good thoughts and best wishes and though she may not hear their voices now, let her know there are many in this country trying to keep hope alive.

[MissDeeds]

66. Sending out thoughts, prayers

and well wishes to this lady who has endured so much. So many in our country are suffering now, and the holiday season can be especially difficult.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention, AnArmyVeteran. You are a good friend.

:grouphug:

[demigoddess]

67. XXXXXX

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

[sueh]

68. Prayers and good vibes to your dear friend...

I will keep up the fight for your friend and all who are in similar circumstances.

[Ken Burch]

69. Every supporter of "market values" had her or his hand on that knife

All of those who refused to give her a job.

All of those who refused to keep the unemployment checks going when it was THEIR fault that she doesn't have a job.

All of those in her family who internalized the "market values" bullshit to the extent that they acted as if she was personally to blame for her situation.

All of those who proclaim that those who suffer in this country have it coming.

They ALL tried to kill her.

I'm so sorry for your friend's pain(and it reminds me of the pain of people I've known and lost)and I'm so FUCKING enraged at all the smug, well-tailored scumbags who feel they have the right to cast people aside in the name of their own short-term gain.

We HAVE to bring them down or they'll put the knife through EVERYONE'S chest.

[webDude]

70. God bless you. You are both in my prayers.

[Raine]

71. Sending her positive thoughts

and much hope and good wishes that her life becomes better.

[Thav]

74. I lost my neighbor two days before Thanksgiving

I don't know why, but I can guess it was due to economic reasons as well.

I pray for everyone in tough times, and I hope our government realizes what an effect this has on communities. The Republicans are worried about big businesses and their tax breaks. Unemployment benefits are going to run out for some 10 million people.

As I head downstairs every morning, I look at the house where an excellent neighbor used to live. I hope that come January, there aren't 10 million other people who have to do the same thing.

[donheld]

75. She's in my thoughts

:hug:

[The Doctor.]

77. The most difficult part is ahead of her.

The most difficult thing for people going through this is a false sense of shame. She has nothing to be ashamed about. No one can be her judge for they have never been in her situation. The first thing she will feel is shame, she should not. What she should understand is that she gave herself another life.

I know, from more personal experience than I would ever describe here, how easy it is to fall into such dark places.

If she can understand how she has addressed her fears by courting oblivion, then she might just grasp how little she truly has to fear, and how powerful she may become.

She should not ever feel shame. Give her understanding instead and she will become more capable than ever.

My Hand to Hers, I will ever give.

My Blessings, and all those of The Divine.

[Patchuli]

78. She has my prayers as do you

and us all. Something's going to give because this cannot continue on this way. Obviously God wanted her to stay right here because He needs her. I will pray for healing, comfort and financial provision for her.

Anyone who may want to knock my faith, go right ahead. Some things are just too important to allow others to railroad over.

[rasputin1952]

79. I just sent my cretin of a Congressman an e-mail tellling him I

would do everything in my power to make sure that the people in my area know that he voted against UI extension. Hold them to the fire...make these people produce. Get out and tell your neighbors if you congresscritter voted against the extension...make them pay!

:patriot:

I shall keep your friend at the forefront of my thoughts and prayers and hope there will be a resolution to this.

[laylah]

80. Love and healing thoughts

for you and your friend. :hug:

Jenn

[bertman]

81. My thoughts and good wishes go to her. And to others who despair.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

83. "Like a lot of sensitive and caring people, she is also very timid and vulnerable."

She has my deepest empathy. May lighter thoughts and greater opportunities grace her as she moves forward.

[rustydog]

84. My thoughts go out to your friend and you...This is a very sad situation

I wish I had an answer for your friend's dilemma. I do hope things turn out ok for your friend and you.

[defendandprotect]

85. Terrible news .... first they purposefully destroy jobs and the economy.....

then they punish the unemployed!!!

We are being led by the senseless -- by people who have value systems worthy

only of dictators.

We have an economic system that should be put in the garbage can -- and which

has brought us destruction of the planet through its exploitation of nature.

And where will they stop in their exploitation of people?

It's all disgusting!!!

[defendandprotect]

86. dupe

then they punish the unemployed!!!

We are being led by the senseless -- by people who have value systems worthy

only of dictators.

We have an economic system that should be put in the garbage can -- and which

has brought us destruction of the planet through its exploitation of nature.

And where will they stop in their exploitation of people?

It's all disgusting!!!

[PoopsyMcGee]

87. Wow, I am so sorry.

I'm glad you are there for her.

[lafayettelonewolf]

88. Very heartbreaking

I've already sent prayers her way. I do hope she gets well. She needs emotional support also. Please tell her that we're here for her.

[eilen]

90. Hugs and support for you and your friend.

I think the depths of depression and desperation that has driven her to this is a horror and a black mark of the spirit of our times.

[WizardLeft62]

91. I Understand & Heart Goes Out

I hope you will be there for your friend. I can totally relate to having such problems of depression. I Understand & my Heart Goes Out to you and you're friend.

"People need people" - Barbra Streisand

[Odin2005]

92. OMG1

:(

[aquart]

93. The Senate is an abattoir.

Its new goal is the murder of Americans. I am so sorry for your friend and the thousands, hundreds of thousands who are being left with nowhere to turn.

[inna]

94. OMG I'm so, so sorry.

Words fail. :hug:

[femrap]

95. I'm sending her peace,

happiness, and laughter.

Gee, where are all of those pro-life people now?

[boycottfaux]

96. Well, I'm Thru

I'm to the point that I'm starting to cut off friendships with
people who identify and vote republican.  It's like people who
hate animals.  Why would I want to be a friend to a person who
hates animals.  Now, it's the same premise to me.  I'm thru .
.

[olegramps]

97. When the Cat Food Commission cuts SS there will be a rash of us opting out.

[Pryderi]

98. Republicans are guilty of criminally negligent homicide.