Without further delay, the Semi-Retired Gamer is back to posting after a short absence. The funeral is Saturday at 11 a.m. and several of us are planning on attending. I just took a few days to collect my thoughts on the matter and be done with it. I was not the closed of friends with Sean BUT we did interact - general conversation about The Walking Dead or video games mostly - at several times during the work day. I guess the dominant feeling in this whole thing is just a general sense of confusion. None of us understand why he decided on his course of action. There were literally no warning signs whatsoever. The only thing I can take from this is to encourage everyone to try to be available to talk with their co-workers. Maybe having that one conversation with somebody that shows your are there for them could make all the difference in their world? With that being said, it is time to pick up the dice again and get back to the gaming...
Excellent post, Mr. Warren. There is a message there that should periodically be mentioned more often than it typically is. By all of us.
ReplyDeleteIt's kind of funny... the internet has allowed us to become a more globalized people - yet, at the same time, it has also pointed us in more secular directions. Typing on a computer has replaced chatting at the kitchen table; single-player video games have replaced family game night. Eventually people feel there is no one out there to listen.
Talk to your friends, family, and co-workers.
Talk, and then make an effort to listen.
Welcome back.
Thanks for the warm welcome back, Baker!
DeleteAs much as I do love technology and all the neat stuff it allows us to do, it isn't hard to see that it has also allowed us to grow more isolated; even though we may be around people every day. As you mentioned in your comment above...what's the point in talking to someone when you can just type a few sentences into facebook, myspace, Google+, Twitter, or any other "social" media. Just because many people are on these sites it does not equate to real socialization. Go have a beer, Starbucks, soda, iced tea, pizza, or whatever with your co-workers, friends, family, cousin you haven't seen in a while. Just interact with somebody - it won't hurt...lol. Your thoughts in your comment were spot on, man.
We really do need to restore some of the social interaction that has been lost.
I am going to reveal a bit about myself. I have a couple attempts in my past. After my diagnosis I began to work to not ever go back down that dark road. The one thing that has helped is a strong circle of friends that I can call on for anything. You guys are spot on, taking the time to show some compassion to your fellow man does more than you think it does. If it hadn't been for a total stranger I shudder to think of where I would be.
ReplyDeleteJosh, that took an incredible amount of courage to admit that. Congratulations on the changes in your life. That's great that you have a strong circle of friends that will help you with anything. It's awesome that a total stranger was able to help out in your time of need.
DeleteThank you. It has not been an easy road but, I have decided not to hide this. There are too many stigmas and misconceptions about mental issues out there and I want to show what the truth is and that there is hope.
DeleteYou're welcome. Just keep on keeping on, man!
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