SPARC is dedicated to preventing suicide by expanding community collaborative, identifying new effective strategies in prevention, implementing prevention projects and practices, and educating our community about suicide prevention. The goal is to reduce the number of deaths by suicide.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255) or the Kern County Mental Health Hotline at 1 (800) 991-5272.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Valentine's Day: Spread the Love Around

I feel like Valentine's Day is either loved or hated by most American people. It is a day to celebrate that special one in your life, or wallow in self-pity and silently curse every happy couple that walks past you. However, I believe there is room for both extremes.

We tend to think in black or white. We are either happy in a relationship, or miserable without one. This kind of thinking can lead a person to get stuck, and see no other alternatives. Therefore, if he or she is alone on Valentine's Day, he or she may feel doomed to loneliness. He or she may begin feeling unloved or suicidal. 

However, there are two fundamental truths I have discovered during my short time on this Earth. One is that the world is not as black-and-white as we believe it is. We are not only happy or miserable, and just because you are single does not mean you are alone. Life is filled with gray area. You can be happy for those who aren't single, and also wish you weren't. At the same time, those in a relationship can celebrate their loved one and be there for those who are single. 

That leads me to the second fundamental truth: we are not meant to be alone. We are put in society for a reason. As Thomas Merton said, "We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone - we find it with another." That being said, it's no wonder why people who are single are so miserable during this holiday. It serves as a bitter reminder that they travel without the one thing we all need most in life: a hand to hold. 

Therefore, let's show a little kindness to everyone this Valentine's Day. Let everyone in your life know they are appreciated, not just your significant other. And if you are single, know that you are loved. Everyone is important, and every single person deserves happiness. So let's spread the love around and show everyone they matter this holiday.


Have Peace,
Brandon Sanchez 


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