A Young Man’s Courage

(Shared with permission from the author, 23 year old Brock Musoiu)

An incredibly courageous, articulate post by a young man that I don’t know personally, but do know his mother. Brock allowed me to share this.

So, long post forthcoming, hopefully it’ll be of use to some of my audience on here. Some personal issues will be brought up, so if you want, keep scrolling. Many of you are aware of the dismal passing of Chester Bennington, lead singer of Linkin Park.
Every 16 minutes or so, someone takes their own life, which intimately affects at LEAST 6 other people.
This past year, I have pondered upon the thought of things being easier, by making a permanent decision due to a temporary sort of problems. I called my mom when it got extremely serious, because I just felt so alone, abandoned and helpless. I have been struggling with very dark demons, but when I lightened my mom on the situation, we both broke down. I told some very close friends of the situation I was in, and they did the same.
What people don’t realize, is that everyone has their own demons, and almost everyone is willing, and would be more than happy to listen, and to help you if you are willing to let them.
After losing a very close friend very near and dear to my heart, I gave up. I didn’t see all of the people in front of me who truly cared for me, because I was so blinded by my own depression.
Mental illness is a topic that should be discussed much more regularly, without this negative stigma on it. For those of you who think mental illness it is not a disease, I strongly urge you to open your mind a bit, and do some research on the topic to enlighten yourself, it could just save a life.
As the reader, this is your job. Listen to people, reach out, be understanding, make yourself the best person you can be.
The ones reading this going through a hard time, you must realize that there are such good things in life, perhaps you just need some assistance in finding them. Asking for help is NOT a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. Going up and asking for help with something you’re dealing with is one of the strongest things you can achieve mentally. This is something I struggled with drastically. Every year, over 34,000 people take their lives. That is a combination of brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, fathers and mothers, friends.
It doesn’t matter what you do in life, you can be a lead singer of one of the most talented bands, or you could be a 16 year old going through a hard time, misconceived with the thought that people don’t care for them. It affects everyone, and YOU matter. No matter what you’re going through, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s so good when you finally reach it.
I’ve never realized how much I meant to people until I allowed myself to see, and this goes for everyone. You may not see how important you are, but someone out there thinks the world of you.
It brings tears to my eyes seeing people struggle mentally, whether that be with yourself, with other people, or maybe your absence in the workplace, anything.
With all of the hate going on in the world, I urge you to hold your loved ones a little closer from now on.
Don’t ever take a day for granted, and don’t ever take anyone for granted. Life is an absolutely beautiful thing, so are all of the people around you.
If you see someone struggling, intervene. Be the person that you would be proud of.
You are not alone.
This is the suicide hotline. 1-800-273-8255
I love all of you guys.
Always remember, it’s okay to not be okay.
“Everything will be okay in the end, if it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” -John Lennon.