I challenge you all, a serious post

[Viratas]

I am not sure where to begin with this one. Something that I care deeply about is suicide prevention, specifically among men and athletes (male and female). The reason is simple: I have survived one attempt, and to be honest, battled those demons more than I care to; the most recent was just a week ago. Coming on here is a version of therapy, one thing about the wrestling community is that it is full of bad ass, hard ass, many dumb ass, and odd people. But they are and will always be my kind of people. 

My daughters are high-level athletes (or try to be), just this week here in FL, 3 student-athletes took their lives. We are seeing an increasing number of athletes and former athletes (of all levels) choosing not to fight. 

So my challenge is simple: check in on someone, you may never know how a simple "How are you doing, or Hey, have a great day," can go and even make a difference. There are many people in my life who, through a simple gesture, unknowingly helped me choose to fight. I literally owe them everything. No matter how much you disagree here, remember that everyone is going through something. If you have kids, check in on them, get some ice cream, skip a practice, or just let them talk. This world is pretty F^&^ed up right now. Most adults can't come to grips with, much less a kid. 

Also, as men (big tough ones), it's okay to talk to someone; don't fight it on your own. Maybe this does not apply to anyone here, maybe it does, but I will make this promise: if anyone needs someone who won't judge them to talk to when shit gets real, I would be happy to talk to you. 

Alright, Carry on.... (damn that was hard)

A song to go with it, I wrote: https://suno.com/s/7ulieYxGXSJnUvoi

[Wrestleknownothing]

7 minutes ago, Viratas said:

I am not sure where to begin with this one. Something that I care deeply about is suicide prevention, specifically among men and athletes (male and female). The reason is simple: I have survived one attempt, and to be honest, battled those demons more than I care to; the most recent was just a week ago. Coming on here is a version of therapy, one thing about the wrestling community is that it is full of bad ass, hard ass, many dumb ass, and odd people. But they are and will always be my kind of people. 

My daughters are high-level athletes (or try to be), just this week here in FL, 3 student-athletes took their lives. We are seeing an increasing number of athletes and former athletes (of all levels) choosing not to fight. 

So my challenge is simple: check in on someone, you may never know how a simple "How are you doing, or Hey, have a great day," can go and even make a difference. There are many people in my life who, through a simple gesture, unknowingly helped me choose to fight. I literally owe them everything. No matter how much you disagree here, remember that everyone is going through something. If you have kids, check in on them, get some ice cream, skip a practice, or just let them talk. This world is pretty F^&^ed up right now. Most adults can't come to grips with, much less a kid. 

Also, as men (big tough ones), it's okay to talk to someone; don't fight it on your own. Maybe this does not apply to anyone here, maybe it does, but I will make this promise: if anyone needs someone who won't judge them to talk to when shit gets real, I would be happy to talk to you. 

Alright, Carry on.... (damn that was hard)

A song to go with it, I wrote: https://suno.com/s/7ulieYxGXSJnUvoi

Amen, brother. We are all dealing with something.

It fills me with happiness that you are choosing to fight. I was very happy to see you return to the board after a long absence. I instantly remembered you when you began posting again. 

I will make you the same offer that you made. If you need to talk DM me.

[mspart]

We have a foster grandchildren that run into this scenario.   It is real for sure and thank you for reminding us of this.   

mspart

[wrestlingguy]

Social media and a prolonged online presence doesn't help these days.

Every now and then you have to disconnect and appreciate the good things in life. Whatever that may be is different for each.

I had such crippling depression and anxiety back in 2007 that I couldn't do anything but stare at a wall. 

[Gene Mills Fan]

Glad to participate in your therapy any time. I have a daughter tremendous in second year PA school and a, once honor roll son, who is struggling with mental illness. It seems he got lost in his mind only trying to get answers from within, shutting out all senses of emotion and reality. His breakdown timed itself, finding himself ostracized from his friends, exactly as Covid isolation and school closings started. I often question myself, it's so sad to realize such a loss. All words and suggestions and love are treated with betrayal; from paranoia. The diagnosis was schizophrenia. After 5 years he is just waking to reality and has held a part time job for the last months. Keeping the faith!. 

yeah that was hard!

Edited 6 hours ago by Gene Mills Fan

[Bigbrog]

Like WKN...reach out via DM's if you ever need to chat @Viratas

[Paul158]

30 minutes ago, Viratas said:

I am not sure where to begin with this one. Something that I care deeply about is suicide prevention, specifically among men and athletes (male and female). The reason is simple: I have survived one attempt, and to be honest, battled those demons more than I care to; the most recent was just a week ago. Coming on here is a version of therapy, one thing about the wrestling community is that it is full of bad ass, hard ass, many dumb ass, and odd people. But they are and will always be my kind of people. 

My daughters are high-level athletes (or try to be), just this week here in FL, 3 student-athletes took their lives. We are seeing an increasing number of athletes and former athletes (of all levels) choosing not to fight. 

So my challenge is simple: check in on someone, you may never know how a simple "How are you doing, or Hey, have a great day," can go and even make a difference. There are many people in my life who, through a simple gesture, unknowingly helped me choose to fight. I literally owe them everything. No matter how much you disagree here, remember that everyone is going through something. If you have kids, check in on them, get some ice cream, skip a practice, or just let them talk. This world is pretty F^&^ed up right now. Most adults can't come to grips with, much less a kid. 

Also, as men (big tough ones), it's okay to talk to someone; don't fight it on your own. Maybe this does not apply to anyone here, maybe it does, but I will make this promise: if anyone needs someone who won't judge them to talk to when shit gets real, I would be happy to talk to you. 

Alright, Carry on.... (damn that was hard)

A song to go with it, I wrote: https://suno.com/s/7ulieYxGXSJnUvoi

I appreciate you sharing your story. Many of these stories end tragically. I'm glad you fought through it, and I hope this can help someone else. Take care.