Dear colleagues,
This week I wanted to share an opinion piece in the New York Times by David Brooks, “What do you say to the sufferer?” It acknowledges that everyone suffers and that we can be source of solace for those around us.
David Brooks, Op-Ed Columnist for the New York Times
Several weeks ago, I gave a talk, and afterward the questions from the audience came to me on index cards. Most of the questions were about politics or society, but one card read: “What do you do when you’ve spent your life wanting to be dead?”
I didn’t answer that card because I didn’t know anything about the person who wrote it, and because I didn’t know what to say. But it has haunted me and I’ve kept the card on my night stand ever since.
I wish I’d said that I don’t have any answers for you, but I do have a response. My response would start with the only things I know about you: You’ve been through a lot of pain over the course of your life. You have amazing powers of endurance because you are still here. I know you’re fighting still because you reached out to me. My response begins with deep respect for you.
You can read the entire piece here: Opinion | What Do You Say to the Sufferer? – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (TALK) or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.
Regards,
GME Wellness Committee