So true (that people matter), and such an intense experience. Thank you for trying to help.
For of your any readers who might find themself in a similar situation in the future, I suggest calling "988" instead of 911. In the US, 988 is the mental health emergency line. I checked and 988 does encourage and accept calls on behalf of someone else if you know someone in a crisis: https://988lifeline.org/help-someone-else/
So sorry to read that, Jeff, there is too much pain going around in this world. Our society is experiencing a loneliness epidemic, people are becoming too isolated and fail to find time and opportunities for real human contact. This is something we all need, it is just how we are wired as human beings. We live in a world with all the modern conveniences to make life easier on a physical level, but we are losing the emotional connections that bind us as a society and provide us with a sense of well being, which so many now are lacking.
Remember "Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowling_Alone That was written 26 years ago, he saw it coming. We are living in a dystopia.
I used to travel on my own frequently through rural southern Mexico in the '90's. It was fascinating, the people I encountered were so economically disadvantaged, but in a way I detected a sense of happiness amongst them that was difficult to put my finger on. As poor as they were, they had a sense of community, family bonds, emotional support networks. People didn't go around with long faces or hostile attitudes. And this sense of hospitality extended to strangers. I always felt welcome and appreciated. I never felt a sense of loneliness, it's what kept me coming back year after year. We have lost that with our wealth and ability to isolate ourselves from those around us. We have lost our way.
If you can be anything in this world, why not be kind? It is costless, but so priceless. Everyone in this world is fighting a battle that we don't know about, and it should be our duty to be supportive of one another, especially in this political environment through which we are passing. I'm truly sorry for your loss, Jeff, I am fortunate to never has experienced that kind of pain, although I have suffered pain in this life as we all have. I hope these words help to assuage your grief and encourage you to keep up the fight. Time heals all wounds and this, too, will pass. Always have faith in the future.
Listening can be the holiest of acts. He included you in the email because he knew you cared. When he spoke, you listened. That was probably rare for him. In his life of pain, you were a solace.
The fact that access to mental healthcare in this country isn't readily available or as ordinary as getting antibiotics is unacceptable - as is the way we handle grief. I'm so sorry for your loss Jeff, and for your friend who must have felt excruciating lonliness.
I lost a dear friend who sent out multiple cries for help - the last on social media which I saw and contacted him just after he had taken the pills. He lived in another country, and it took me 30 minutes (with help from my husband and another friend) to figure out how to call for help. I was also on hold for 10 minutes, disconnected once, then waited for translation. More than an hour after my initial contact, help arrived. Too late.
We have to do better. Be kinder. Listen harder. And vote for people with an ounce of compassion.
So so sad when someone you know -- or don't know -- decides that life is no longer worth living. That they can't see forward to a better day. How very deep the pain and despair must run to take that final step. My heart hurts for them. And for your loss.
...that is so unbelievably sad. Jeff Pearlman, you are a good man and your Truth OC is an outreach that brings us together and helps a lot of us get through the shit parts of life. Thanks for this post about Doug Sharp.
You are a good person. The world needs more of you-more empathy and compassion.
So true (that people matter), and such an intense experience. Thank you for trying to help.
For of your any readers who might find themself in a similar situation in the future, I suggest calling "988" instead of 911. In the US, 988 is the mental health emergency line. I checked and 988 does encourage and accept calls on behalf of someone else if you know someone in a crisis: https://988lifeline.org/help-someone-else/
So sorry to read that, Jeff, there is too much pain going around in this world. Our society is experiencing a loneliness epidemic, people are becoming too isolated and fail to find time and opportunities for real human contact. This is something we all need, it is just how we are wired as human beings. We live in a world with all the modern conveniences to make life easier on a physical level, but we are losing the emotional connections that bind us as a society and provide us with a sense of well being, which so many now are lacking.
Remember "Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowling_Alone That was written 26 years ago, he saw it coming. We are living in a dystopia.
I used to travel on my own frequently through rural southern Mexico in the '90's. It was fascinating, the people I encountered were so economically disadvantaged, but in a way I detected a sense of happiness amongst them that was difficult to put my finger on. As poor as they were, they had a sense of community, family bonds, emotional support networks. People didn't go around with long faces or hostile attitudes. And this sense of hospitality extended to strangers. I always felt welcome and appreciated. I never felt a sense of loneliness, it's what kept me coming back year after year. We have lost that with our wealth and ability to isolate ourselves from those around us. We have lost our way.
If you can be anything in this world, why not be kind? It is costless, but so priceless. Everyone in this world is fighting a battle that we don't know about, and it should be our duty to be supportive of one another, especially in this political environment through which we are passing. I'm truly sorry for your loss, Jeff, I am fortunate to never has experienced that kind of pain, although I have suffered pain in this life as we all have. I hope these words help to assuage your grief and encourage you to keep up the fight. Time heals all wounds and this, too, will pass. Always have faith in the future.
Listening can be the holiest of acts. He included you in the email because he knew you cared. When he spoke, you listened. That was probably rare for him. In his life of pain, you were a solace.
Life is indeed hard. And we do most certainly need one another.
Thinking of Doug & all the other people who’ve struggled to make their way through this indifferent world.
Thank you Jeff.
The fact that access to mental healthcare in this country isn't readily available or as ordinary as getting antibiotics is unacceptable - as is the way we handle grief. I'm so sorry for your loss Jeff, and for your friend who must have felt excruciating lonliness.
I lost a dear friend who sent out multiple cries for help - the last on social media which I saw and contacted him just after he had taken the pills. He lived in another country, and it took me 30 minutes (with help from my husband and another friend) to figure out how to call for help. I was also on hold for 10 minutes, disconnected once, then waited for translation. More than an hour after my initial contact, help arrived. Too late.
We have to do better. Be kinder. Listen harder. And vote for people with an ounce of compassion.
Oh Jeff, so sorry to read this! People matter so much. When I had some trouble a few years ago, I reached out & friends & family helped me through it.
Thank you for trying to help. Shame on 911 for putting you on hold!
So so sad when someone you know -- or don't know -- decides that life is no longer worth living. That they can't see forward to a better day. How very deep the pain and despair must run to take that final step. My heart hurts for them. And for your loss.
I’m so sorry 😢
...that is so unbelievably sad. Jeff Pearlman, you are a good man and your Truth OC is an outreach that brings us together and helps a lot of us get through the shit parts of life. Thanks for this post about Doug Sharp.
My heart is sad for your loss of Doug and David.
Through the tears, I thank you. We need to take time to check on our peeps. Deeply
Thanks for sharing this very personal moment 🙏
Amen.