We need to work together

"You can close your eyes to the things you do not want to see, but you cannot close your heart to the things you do not want to feel." -- Johnny Depp

My heart is breaking for friends as they mourn the loss of members of our community last week. I didn't know them personally, but in a small community you hear someone's name at least once.

Lives were taken too soon.

I've lectured before about there always being a better option, but in what feels like the lowest point in one's life it's hard to see the silver lining.

As a community, we need to band together to protect each other -- whether it be emotionally or physically -- during our times of need.

I was told someone in the community, who is put in place to protect us, allegedly said not to worry about problems being caused by a young man because eventually he would try to take his own life again.

I was completely taken aback by the statement I heard through the grapevine, especially when he passed away just a few short weeks later.

I came back to Greene County so many times because I missed the closeness of the community, and knowing no matter what I had someone to lean on.

Most people don't believe it is their responsibility to take care of a stranger, but this county is different. It is our duty to love one another no matter what the other is going through.

It is what sets us apart from cities throughout the state, and keeps our youth coming back.

When I lived in Evansville I didn't know my neighbor's name. She wouldn't even smile at me when we passed on the stairway. People would see me struggling with items being carried up to my apartment and they'd look the other way.

Yet in this small town I grew up in I've had complete strangers assist me with the smallest tasks, and that is why I love it here.

I know it's far fetched to compare carrying groceries to trying to save a person's life, but that is an example of just how great our community is.

I'm not saying you, personally, need to take the steps to save someone's life, but it's possible to offer the resources available or even just a moment to listen.

I know what it's like to be hidden in that darkness, and without the help of friends and family I would have never made it this far. Eventually, I learned there was a reason for the darkness and am now on the road to finding the light in every single day.

If someone you know or love is suffering from depression, please take the steps to help. Even if you have to resort to begging and pleading them to understand how much you care.

According to To Write Love on Her Arms, two-thirds of people suffering from depression don't seek help.

Our society has created a stigma on the very serious mental illness because people toss the word around without realizing just how serious it is.

For tips about suicide prevention, visit www.twloha.com.

We can't just turn our backs because we don't want to see someone's struggle. We have to open our hearts to the person who is someone's child, spouse, parent or friend.

No one wants to get the call saying a friend is gone too soon.

If you are suffering from depression, seek help. You can even make a simple phone call to the National Hopeline Network at 1-800-Suicide.

There is hope, you are loved, and you serve a much bigger purpose.

Even in the darkest moments when the monster of depression threatens you, there will always be that bright spot the monster has hidden in the shadows.

Sabrina is a staff writer for the Greene County Daily World. She can be reached by email at swestfall@gcdailyworld.com or by telephone at 847-4487.