A quick word about being able to say you're not okay

Suicide rates are soaring, especially among young people.

You don’t have to know someone personally in order to sympathize with their plight. We all live different lives, but are put together with similar parts and move around each other every day. I don’t know the person walking past me, but I bet we could have a conversation about something. It’s not a friend or family thing; the world is just much smaller than we think.

All of this is to say that people have to learn to be able to announce to someone that they aren’t okay. They aren’t well, and that soul needs some help. The help could be a talk or hug, a longer conversation may be required. Out of all the things that stand out in front of us in plain sight everyday, mental health is a mountain too high for the powers that be to climb over. So, it’s up to us.

Stephen “Twitch” Boss, the popular and charismatic D.J. from The Ellen DeGeneres Show, took his own life yesterday at the age of 40. I AM 40 years old, which means you try to settle into the mindset that would move someone like Boss to check out of life sooner than expected. We’re all marked for death-Steven Seagal isn’t required-so it’s not a secret that the end of line comes for us all.

But one can’t help but think that if Boss had called someone or went somewhere to get help or merely talk out the issues, would he still be here? I didn’t know the guy, but it was hard to forget his presence on that show. Ellen has her lovers and detractors, but it was hard to dislike “Twitch.” People like that shouldn’t depart at 40. He was also a first class dancer showcased in film franchises such as “Step Up” and “Magic Mike: XL.”

Here’s the thing. Adults can find it hard to talk about things that could make them come off as less to others, even friends and family. If you tell someone that you’re having a hard time, most people would either rush to conclusions or start discussing their own take on depression. That’s the general consensus, and it’s a big problem.

Something must have been plaguing Stephen, beating up his mind and body enough to push him to that decision. A problem without answers, not even from his closest allies. If that doesn’t hold your mind for a moment or two, with a few thoughts dangling around the brain, check your pulse.

It’s not cowardly, because the whole story isn’t (and should never be) known. You can’t call someone who commits suicide a coward because they aren’t here to defend themselves and the story isn’t known. I just wish a conversation could take place before a life decides to end itself. That’s sadder than most things.

There are times where I don’t feel okay, and I tell someone about it. It’s not something I do enough, due to the pre-mentioned fears of the receiver jumping to conclusions and freaking out. Along with sharing my own internal pain and dismay, I want to do a better job of listening. The biggest pet peeve that every human being should have is talking about themselves, and then finding their voice drowned out by the other speaker. I do this. You do this. It’s a thing.

I don’t have answers, but every man and woman should be able to tell someone they’re not okay. Maybe, they can be pulled back from the brink if they made it that far in. Maybe not. Sudden and brutal losses must stop somewhere.

Rest in peace, Stephen “Twitch” Boss. 40 is too damn young.

**The Suicide Hotline is SIMPLE: 988**

A stranger can be better than someone you know, like talking to a blank canvas with no prior recollection of your problems.