Over a 100 friends, and family came together at Milham Park on Tuesday to remember  high school student Alex Sanchez.

Alex took his own life on Friday and friends united to remember and mourn him on Tuesday. The crowd was clad in purple (Alex's favorite color) and his mother spoke to the group. Mlive.com reported...

"Many cried near the base of Portage Creek as floating candles bobbed downstream."

Alex's mother said..

"Her son's death was a devastating surprise. While what happened was no-one's fault, she said it wasn't meaningless either.

Though her son wasn't able to reach out for help in time, Joanna said others still can."

She is a smart lady! Many people are deeply in pain, and can't find the power to reach out because everything seems so dark. But we as friends and family can watch for signs that someone might be in trouble. Afsp.org website had some great advice.

"Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do."

 

Suicide Warning Signs

If A Person Talks About...

  • Being a burden to others
  • Feeling trapped
  • Experiencing unbearable pain
  • Having no reason to live
  • Killing themselves

Specific Things To Look For...

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting recklessly
  • Looking for away to kill themselves
  • Withdrawing from activities
  • Isolating from family and friends
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Aggression

People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods...

  • Depression
  • Loss of interest Rage
  • Irritability
  • Humiliation
  • Anxiety

Losing a loved one is very hard, and losing them too soon is even worse. If we all take a second to understand what someone may be going through, a life could possibly be saved.

 

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