Holiday Connection
W: This page is a TW.
I almost snapped today.
I was in line at the store. It was hot, the music was too loud, and the person in front of me was moving at a glacial pace. They were fumbling with something, asking questions, and taking forever to find their card.
I could feel that "holiday rage" bubbling up. You know the feeling. The urge to sigh loudly. To check my watch. To make a face at the person behind me to show I was annoyed. That it wasn't me causing the hold up.
But then I caught the cashier’s eye, she looked exhausted. And I looked at the person fumbling with their wallet, hands shaking.
I swallowed the sigh and waited.
Here's the thing we forget amidst the lights and the rush... we have no idea who is hanging on by a thread right now. Sometimes it might be you.
The holidays aren’t magical for everyone. For some, this is the first year without a mom. Or maybe it's the 8th year and it's hitting really hard for some reason. For others, the financial pressure is crushing. For many, the loneliness is louder than the carols.
There are people walking around you right now trying their absolute hardest just to stay alive until January. Sound harsh? It's reality. One we could all remember. Not out of fear but compassion. Empathy. Isn't that what this season is supposed to be about anyway?
When you hold your tongue instead of snapping at the barista who got your order wrong? That is suicide prevention.
When you let someone merge in traffic instead of honking? That is suicide prevention.
When you smile at the person who looks flustered instead of rolling your eyes? That is suicide prevention.
We tend to think of "saving a life" as this big, dramatic movie moment where you pull someone off a ledge. Sometimes it is. But more often, saving a life looks like basic human decency. It looks like not being the straw that breaks the camel's back.
Be the reason someone believes there is still softness left in the world this week.
An then keep being kind. It costs nothing and it’s literal life support.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.
If this is not a crisis maybe give yourself or your loved one the gift of understanding. Take a class, read a book, listen to a podcast, or sit down and listen to someone you care about talk about their experiences with mental health without judgement, with the intent of educating yourself to be a better support. For you. For them.
It's a free gift that keeps on giving.
If this is a crisis, help is available 24/7, free, and confidential:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): Text "START" to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386
US Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255
For resources local to Eastern Pennsylvania, visit www.rhysabove.org/crisisresources
#MentalHealthMatters #HolidaySeason #BeKind #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthFirstAid #EducationOverFear