Suicide By Heartbreak in Life After 60

(Disclaimer: Suicide occurs every 40 seconds. If you or someone you know needs help please call Call 1-800-273-8255- National Suicide Hotline- Your life matters!)

I understand suicide is a dangerous subject. It is like walking through a land mine field. Please understand, I am not making light of this issue. Trust me, I have been to brink, starred at the abyss, and thought, “What’s the use?” Fortunately for me, I found the help I needed. But what pushes someone to that point?

I am not Medical Professional so these are my own random thoughts on the subject. A personal perspective if you please. One mans journey. And my journey is not necessarily the same as someone else’s.

For me it was a combination of things. Job loss, death, divorce, bankruptcy, like one right after the other. And then withdraw from a prescription drug. The short version of the story, I was diagnosed with manic depression with hallucinations and psychotic episodes with suicidal tendencies. (Try saying that real fast three times in a row. You will clear the room!)

What pushes some to this point is still a mystery. With others it is clear. But those who have never experienced it, have no idea. And heartbreak, genuine heartbreak, can cause you to do things you never imagined possible.

Suicide is the act of taking one’s life. Simple enough. Where is gets murky for some of us is in cases labeled, Suicide by Cop or the like. Suicide by heartbreak is just as real. One can take their own life because of the sadness of their heart. You may not pull the trigger, swallow the pills, or put the rope around your neck, but neglecting to deal with your heartbreak can have the same effect. You stop trying and your heart just can’t take it any more. I know..I have been there, but you can find the help you need. Please, reach out to someone.