Reality on Bravo

I’m not the hugest Work Out fan, but I do admire the fact that the show isn’t afraid to bring up tough subjects in life, other than weight loss. On tonight’s episode, the things that stuck with me the most was the opening few scenes with the group therapy and Skylab clients. One of the clients revealed that her father had committed suicide, and Jackie shared that her father had also committed suicide.

This is a subject that rings dear to my heart.

When I was a senior in high school, one of my male friends called me, in tears, because he was so upset that he was just going to kill himself rather than face his problems. It’s an incredible about of pressure for someone to basically say to you, “If you don’t convince me otherwise, I’m going to shoot myself right now.” He didn’t shoot himself. I don’t take credit for that, because I think that if he really wanted to shoot himself, he would have done it no matter what I would have said, but I do think that I gave him a reason to calm down and think about enjoying life.

Then, when I was in college, my roommate (and one of my best friends) had a lot of problems with the health of her parents, who were both dealing with depression and other issues. She was constantly the parent in most situations, even though we were ourselves still finding our way. When we were juniors, she got the phone call that her father had killed himself (or so they thought–it wasn’t actually confirmed until much later, but he did, in fact, commit suicide). I didn’t have to go through it myself, but I cried my eyes out more than once because I watched someone I loved so much go through such a horrifying reality. I didn’t know what to do for her, or what to say. Her father, Don, was a great guy. He was funny and sweet, and he cared about Jillian a whole hell of a lot. At the same time, I understand why he though he had to do this.

My last semester at college, one of the girls I had hung out with during the summer also decided to end her life. I didn’t know her well, but it was hard hearing that this girl with her whole life ahead of her and many people who loved her just one day decided that life was too hard and so KJ jumped off of a traffic overpass.

Suicide is something that touches all of our lives. I’m not saying that my personal experiences are the same as what my high school friend or my roommate or KJ’s family went through. However, I believe very strongly that I do know that kind of pain and I do understand how it feels to be so upset that you can’t think of any other option. I also know that, no matter how horrible things may seem at the moment, there is someone who will talk to you and make life worth living.

If you are thinking about suicide, even a little, please read this website. Also know that whoever you are, I am here to talk. Stay safe, everyone.

Jackie Warner, Work Out, Skylab, Sky Sport & Spa, suicide