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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: "If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States." Dial 988
September 10th is World
Suicide Prevention Day
...In the past, I struggled with suicidal thoughts. So, you are not alone.
Therefore, if you feel like you are suicidal, please get help, so that—someday—you too can tell someone who might be suicidal:
"In the past, I struggled with suicidal thoughts..."
-Paul Whiting
(a.k.a., A Creative Writer)
"I maybe say too much about how life really is!"
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My Writing About Psychological Healing Through Professional Therapy (One Paragraph): As a self-designated 'Poet, Artist and Philosopher,' I feel an obligation to explain what I believe to be true about psychological healing through professional therapy. You see, in my lifetime I have dealt with many psychological (mental health) issues, including generalized anxiety disorder, and/or clinical depression, for which I have sought treatment through professional therapy on multiple occasions. Therefore, during those times in my life when I felt like I needed therapy, I would kind of "put my life on hold," so to speak, until I had dealt with whatever issue that was making me feel "stuck" in my life. That way, I could totally heal that particular issue—for however long that it took to heal that particular issue—and, then, I could finally get on with my life... Thankfully, I was raised in a family in which going to see a therapist was perfectly acceptable—if necessary—just like going see a medical doctor was perfectly acceptable, if necessary. Thus, our culture's beliefs regarding medical treatment of physiological (physical) issues goes something like the following: If you have the kind of injury that you can treat with a Band-Aid and some Neosporin, or if you have the kind of illness that you can treat with NyQuil and/or DayQuil, by all means do so! If, however, you have a much more severe injury—and/or if you have a much more severe illness—you go see a medical doctor, or you go to an urgent care clinic, or you go to the emergency room, so that you can heal! And our culture's beliefs regarding therapeutic (therapy) treatment of psychological (mental health) issues should basically be the same kind of thinking: So, if you are just feeling "a little down in the dumps," so to speak, you can simply talk to a family member, or a friend, or chat online with someone on a social networking site, and that takes care of the issue! If, however, you have much more severe psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or much more severe psychological illnesses, such as clinical depression, or suicidal thoughts, you go see a licensed therapist—like a Licensed Professional Counselor, or a Psychologist (which is a licensed therapist with a graduate degree in psychology), or a Psychiatrist (which is a licensed therapist with a graduate degree in psychology who is also a medical doctor)—or you call a crisis helpline, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (dial 988 on your telephone), so that you can heal! –Paul Whiting (written September 10th, 2022, revised October 22nd, 2023 and revised June 15th, 2024)
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My Writing About Psychological Healing Through Professional Therapy (Multiple Paragraphs): As a self-designated 'Poet, Artist and Philosopher,' I feel an obligation to explain what I believe to be true about psychological healing through professional therapy.
You see, in my lifetime I have dealt with many psychological (mental health) issues, including generalized anxiety disorder, and/or clinical depression, for which I have sought treatment through professional therapy on multiple occasions. Therefore, during those times in my life when I felt like I needed therapy, I would kind of "put my life on hold," so to speak, until I had dealt with whatever issue that was making me feel "stuck" in my life. That way, I could totally heal that particular issue—for however long that it took to heal that particular issue—and, then, I could finally get on with my life... Thankfully, I was raised in a family in which going to see a therapist was perfectly acceptable—if necessary—just like going see a medical doctor was perfectly acceptable, if necessary.
Thus, our culture's beliefs regarding medical treatment of physiological (physical) issues goes something like the following: If you have the kind of injury that you can treat with a Band-Aid and some Neosporin, or if you have the kind of illness that you can treat with NyQuil and/or DayQuil, by all means do so! If, however, you have a much more severe injury—and/or if you have a much more severe illness—you go see a medical doctor, or you go to an urgent care clinic, or you go to the emergency room, so that you can heal!
And our culture's beliefs regarding therapeutic (therapy) treatment of psychological (mental health) issues should basically be the same kind of thinking: So, if you are just feeling "a little down in the dumps," so to speak, you can simply talk to a family member, or a friend, or chat online with someone on a social networking site, and that takes care of the issue! If, however, you have much more severe psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or much more severe psychological illnesses, such as clinical depression, or suicidal thoughts, you go see a licensed therapist—like a Licensed Professional Counselor, or a Psychologist (which is a licensed therapist with a graduate degree in psychology), or a Psychiatrist (which is a licensed therapist with a graduate degree in psychology who is also a medical doctor)—or you call a crisis helpline, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (dial 988 on your telephone), so that you can heal! –Paul Whiting (written September 10th, 2022, revised October 22nd, 2023 and revised June 15th, 2024)
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My Writing Notes:
The reason that I wrote this prose can be summed up with the following statement: "...In the past, I have struggled with suicidal thoughts. So, you are not alone. Therefore, if you feel like you are suicidal, please get help. So that—someday—you, too, can tell someone who might be suicidal, "In the past, I have struggled with suicidal thoughts..."
Also, on my "Small All White in the Forest" blog where this post was originally published, beginning in January 2013, I tried to create a post for virtually every holiday and special occasion of which I was aware, but I realized by September 2014 that I did not have enough time and energy to continue posting for every holiday and special occasion. And I decided to keep the poems in that series which were the most relevant to my "Small All White in the Forest" blog, of which this is one.
And this prose was also published on my "Small All White in the Forest" blog (please see the hyperlink below for the blog), since I feel that the message in this prose applies to the message that I am trying to convey through "Small All White in the Forest."
This prose was written in Portland, Oregon.
-Paulee
https://smallallwhiteintheforest.blogspot.com
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International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP):
Welcome!
The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) is dedicated to: preventing suicidal behaviour, alleviating its effects, and providing a forum for academics, mental health professionals, crisis workers, volunteers and suicide survivors.
Founded by the late Professor Erwin Ringel and Dr. Norman Farberow in 1960, IASP now includes professionals and volunteers from more than fifty different countries. IASP is a Non-Governmental Organization in official relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO) concerned with suicide prevention.
If you are feeling suicidal or know of someone who needs help, browse Help (https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/) to find a crisis center anywhere in the world.
https://www.iasp.info
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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (please see the hyperlink below for the website):
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.
Talk To Someone Now
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
What Happens When I Call The Lifeline?
First, you’ll hear a message telling you that you’ve reached the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
We’ll play you a little hold music while we connect you.
A skilled, trained crisis worker who works at the Lifeline network crisis center closest to you will answer the phone.
This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful.
Remember, your call is confidential and free.
Should I Call The Lifeline?
No matter what problems you’re dealing with, whether or not you’re thinking about suicide, if you need someone to lean on for emotional support, call the Lifeline.
People call to talk about lots of things: substance abuse, economic worries, relationships, sexual identity, getting over abuse, depression, mental and physical illness, and loneliness, to name a few.
https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now
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July 16th, 2022 Update, Written On July 17th, 2022: I watched a YouTube video titled, "Access to mental health help now just three digits away" today, July 17th, 2022, which explained the rollout—yesterday, July 16th, 2022—of "the new 988 simplified national health crisis and suicide prevention lifeline."
Therefore, here is a summary for the new "988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline" from their website (please see the hyperlink below for the website):
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.
Talk To Someone Now
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
What Happens When I Call The Lifeline?
First, you’ll hear a message telling you that you’ve reached the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
We’ll play you a little hold music while we connect you.
A skilled, trained crisis worker who works at the Lifeline network crisis center closest to you will answer the phone.
This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful.
Remember, your call is confidential and free.
Should I Call The Lifeline?
No matter what problems you’re dealing with, whether or not you’re thinking about suicide, if you need someone to lean on for emotional support, call the Lifeline.
People call to talk about lots of things: substance abuse, economic worries, relationships, sexual identity, getting over abuse, depression, mental and physical illness, and loneliness, to name a few.
https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now
And below, please find the prose that I wrote from a blog post that I originally published on my "Small All White in the Forest" blog, and which I am planning to republish for a blog post on my "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" blog, with regard to World Suicide Prevention Day, which is September 10th each year:
...In the past, I struggled with suicidal thoughts. So, you are not alone.
Therefore, if you feel like you are suicidal, please get help, so that—someday—you too can tell someone who might be suicidal:
"In the past, I struggled with suicidal thoughts..."
Thus, I decided to write this update about the new "988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline" name and phone number. So, if you feel like you are in crisis—or if you feel like you are suicidal—please dial "988" to get help!
–Paul Whiting (written July 17th, 2022, revised July 21st, 2022, revised December 19th, 2022, revised March 27th, 2023, revised April 11th, 2023, revised June 17th, 2023 and revised September 10th, 2024)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: "If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States." Dial 988
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October 24th, 2023 Update No. 7 [My Writing About How I Have Changed The Way That I Label My Blog Posts 'Updates' For Any Additional 'Updates' That I Write, After The First 'Update,' By Using A Simple Numbering System, Which Starts With The First 'Update' (Originally From My Blog Post Titled, "I Am No Longer Being An Activist In The Same Way That I Was," Which Is On My "Poet, Artist and Philosopher" Blog)]:
I have changed the way I label the blog post 'updates' that I write because I oftentimes write more than one 'update' per day!
And in the past, I have labeled the second, third, fourth and fifth 'update' with the following extensions—on the days that I write more than 'update'—to differentiate any additional 'updates' from the first one, as follows:
[1st] Month Day, Year Update
[2nd] Month Day, Year Update—Continued
[3rd] Month Day, Year Update—Continued Further
[4th] Month Day, Year Update—Continued Further Some More
[5th] Month Day, Year Update—Continued Further Some More Than Before
However today, October 24th, 2023, I actually had more than five 'updates' to write, so I decided to change how I differentiate any additional 'updates,' from the first 'update,' by using a simple numbering system, which actually starts with the first 'update' that I write, as follows:
Month Day, Year Update No. 1
Month Day, Year Update No. 2
Month Day, Year Update No. 3
Month Day, Year Update No. 4
Month Day, Year Update No. 5
Month Day, Year Update No. 6
Month Day, Year Update No. 7
Therefore, that is why this 'update' is the seventh one for today! –Paul Whiting (written October 24th, 2023 and revised October 28th, 2023)
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September 10th, 2024 Update No. 1: World Suicide Prevention Day is today September 10th, 2024, since World Suicide Prevention Day is yearly (annually) on September 10th.
And I saved a video titled, "The 988 Hotline Is Changing Crisis Response in the U.S." on my YouTube 'Watch Later' Playlist that I watched today, which is a testament to the incredible help the new "988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline" — that was rolled out on July 16th, 2022 — is providing. (Please see my 'July 16th, 2022 Update, Written On July 17th, 2022,' which can be found above.) Here is the description from that video (with a hyperlink to the video below):
The 988 Hotline Is Changing Crisis Response in the U.S.
NowThis Impact
If you or someone you know is struggling, 988 is the number to call for help — these people share how reaching out to the anonymous crisis hotline changed their lives (warning: distressing)
https://youtu.be/A7_V879pcLg?si=s5uBd8QlaJcKJkP6
And after I watched the video—which I had specifically saved on my YouTube 'Watch Later' Playlist to watch on World Suicide Prevention Day—I decided to write this 'update' so that I could encourage you, my readers, to consider watching the video too. –Paul Whiting (September 10th, 2024)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: "If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States." Dial 988
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September 10th, 2026 Update No. 1, Which Also Discusses September 8th, 2026: World Suicide Prevention Day is today, September 10th, 2026, since World Suicide Prevention Day is yearly (annually) on September 10th, which is observed within September as Suicide Prevention Month.
And I received a mailer from Stop Soldier Suicide on September 8th, 2026, with a 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "GIVE NOW for 2X THE IMPACT."
Plus, an additional 'front teaser message' on the envelope that read, "OUR VETERANS STOOD UP FOR US...", then continued on as a 'back teaser message' that read "... NOW, WE'LL STAND UP FOR THEM."
And the mailer above stated the following:
[I used to hand-type the text of the documents from these types of mailers on my smartphone; however, it takes a lot of time and energy in order to hand-type these kinds of documents: so, instead, I scanned and copied the documents using Google Lens! Then, I edited the copy of said documents to include all of the italicizing, bolding and/or underscoring where applicable.]
★ STOP
★ SOLDIER
★ SUICIDE
Join us in the fight against military suicide while your gift will be DOUBLED!
Dear Paul,
No one wants to believe it could happen to their family.
[Name redacted] certainly never imagined it could happen to his family. But then his older brother, Josh, didn't answer the phone one morning. [Name redacted] began to worry. "I had that feeling in my stomach that something was off."
From childhood, [name redacted] had always looked up to Josh as a role model. "I did a lot of stuff that my older brother did," [name redacted] explained. "I followed in his footsteps." That admiration — and a desire to continue a family tradition of service — led [name redacted] to join the military not long after Josh did. Both brothers were veterans.
That fateful morning, as [name redacted] pulled up outside his brother's home, he felt time stand still. A police officer was already there, confirming [name redacted's] worst fears.
"I'm so sorry," she said. "Your brother died by suicide."
Sadly, the tragedy that [name redacted] and his family endured — losing a loved one to suicide — is one that military families across the country experience every day. Military suicide has claimed more lives than World War I, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terror.
On an average day, 17 VETERANS take their own lives.
This is nothing less than a crisis. That is why our mission at Stop Soldier Suicide is as straightforward as our name: we are dedicated to solving the issue of suicide among U.S. veterans and service members. We will never stop and never give up, not until we get this right.
Paul, I know you agree that our military heroes deserve a life full of joy, hope, and meaning. Today, I invite you to join Stop Soldier Suicide while your gift will be matched.
Right now, your first gift of $30 will become $60, $45 will become $90, and even $60 will become $120. Any gift you make today will open the door to hope and make double the life-saving difference for veterans and service members at risk.
Thanks to a generous donation from [business name redacted], all gifts up to $100,000 will be matched — dollar for dollar — until October 15. That's double the impact your donation will have when you choose to stand with us today.←with our service members and veterans
Suicide is a complex problem, and the solution looks different for each person. But we know that suicide disproportionately impacts the military community:
• The suicide rate among veterans ages 18-34 has more than doubled since 2001.
• The veteran suicide rate is 58% higher than the national average.
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for veterans under 45.
That last statistic is particularly devastating to me. That's so many service members and veterans who think they are fighting alone.
Everyone knows a veteran, someone who has raised their right hand and worked tirelessly in defense of our country and our freedoms. It feels impossible to think that such strong, dedicated people could be struggling.
But even the strongest person you know may be facing an impossible battle.
Suicide doesn't fight fair. Mental health is deeply personal, hard to share, and shrouded in stigma. Depression, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD are invisible — but they can be deadly all the same. Thousands of veterans and service members face these challenges alone, in isolation and silence.
Finding help can be a daunting task, and they don't know if anyone will truly understand what they're going through. That is where Stop Soldier Suicide comes in. When someone is reaching out for help, we're there to answer the call, every single time.
Your gift today is more than just a donation. It is a message to our veterans and service members that they are not alone.
There is a persistent myth that talking about suicide can increase someone's risk. That just isn't true. In fact, it's the opposite: by talking about suicide, we can break the stigma. We can show our military heroes that hope is possible.
Stop Soldier Suicide was co-founded in 2010 by three veterans, each of whom lost more fellow service members to suicide than they ever lost to combat. This fight is personal.
[Name redacted], whose story I shared earlier, is one of those people. After the devastating loss of his brother, he knew he had to do something.
"I wanted to play a role in this fight," he shared. "I fight to make sure no other family has to go through what mine did."
Today, [name redacted] is part of our team at Stop Soldier Suicide. Every day, he helps connect service members, veterans, and their families with confidential and personalized virtual mental health counselors, crisis intervention, and safety planning. I included a note [name redacted] wrote to me with this letter.
ROGER is one of our most important initiatives at Stop Soldier Suicide. It is a mental health support program built specifically for the military community. Our message to every veteran and service member in crisis is:
/// ROGER. We hear you. We understand. We're on it. ///
When those difficult moments come... when a veteran wakes up in the middle of the night needing someone to talk to... when the stress of transitioning to civilian life is just too much... we are there to help. No waiting, no questions asked.
Trying to navigate a complicated maze of organizations and resources can be overwhelming when you're in crisis. That's why we don't deal in red tape — every veteran and service member is welcome, regardless of their branch of service, discharge status, age, gender, or years of service. And our evidence-based and tailored program increases safety and overall well-being for at-risk veterans and service members. Your generous support makes this life-saving service possible, and until October 15, it will be matched for double the impact.
But ROGER is just the tip of the iceberg. To solve an issue as complex as suicide, we must attack it from all angles.
When you support Stop Soldier Suicide, you fuel all of our innovative, life-saving initiatives, including:
• The Black Box Project: Too many veterans and service members die by suicide without ever reaching out for help. The Black Box Project works with loss survivors, analyzing trends by processing devices of those who have died by suicide. This data helps us unlock the warning signs of suicide, so we can reach those in crisis and save more lives.
• Veteran Firearm Safety: Overwhelming research indicates firearms are one of the leading causes of veteran suicide. In fact, nationwide, 71% of veterans who die by suicide use a firearm. We're taking politics out of this issue, working with veterans and service members to provide resources that will help keep them and their families safe.
• Clinical Partnerships: It will take all of us to solve the crisis of military suicide. Stop Soldier Suicide partners with health care providers and veteran services organizations to ensure veterans and service members can receive the top-quality, suicide-specific care they need.
Every year, thanks to the support of people like you, Stop Soldier Suicide serves more than 4,800 veterans and service members. And 72% of the clients we serve show improvement in their mental wellbeing by the end of treatment.
But we can and must do more. We won't stand idly by while our heroes are in crisis — and I know you won't either.
Please, return your most generous gift today while it will go twice as far. You can also give securely online by visiting stopsoldiersuicide.org/JoinMatch.
https://stopsoldiersuicide.donorsupport.co/page/FUNUEYFDWFN
Your impact cannot be overstated. The veterans and service members we serve are facing the most difficult crossroads of their lives. You can be the person to show them the way toward a life defined by hope.
Thank you for your gift today and for your commitment to this important mission. I look forward to welcoming you to the Stop Soldier Suicide community.
For all those who have served,
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
P.S. I've included a special gift with this letter for you, as a small token of our appreciation. I hope you use your first personalized address label to return your generous gift today, while every dollar will be matched to go twice as far.
P.P.S. Over 6,400 soldiers die by suicide each year, and for 23 consecutive years, that has not changed. With your help, we are determined to change that reality. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and it is an incredibly important time to have you join our community and prove to our heroes that they are not alone. Your matching gift today is the first step in ending the military suicide crisis.
---------------------------------------------
[Enclosed note mentioned above.]
When I got this note from [name redacted], I knew I needed to share it with you. At Stop Soldier Suicide, we're here to answer the important calls, but we can only do it with your help.
-[Name redacted], [Title redacted]
Hi [Name redacted],
I know you know my story, but I felt like I needed to send you this note today. It was an emotional day at the ROGER Wellness Center. Every day, I work alongside so many dedicated people to support veterans and service members in crisis — saving lives.
I'm hoping you can share my story with other people who care. I believe they're out there, and we really need them standing with us right now.
For me, and I know for you too, this mission is deeply personal. I lost my older brother, Josh, to suicide on March 3, 2019.
My brother was everything to me. I followed in his footsteps throughout my whole life.
We used to text every morning. The day I couldn't reach him, time just stood still. I can still feel the silence.
In the days and weeks after, I knew I needed to do something.
It was because of Josh that I decided to join the military and serve my country. Now, it's because of my brother that I serve my fellow veterans through my work with Stop Soldier Suicide. If I can make a difference for just one person, I know my brother would be proud.
But we need help. There are so many in need. Every day, I fight to make sure no other family has to go through what mine did. I am there to answer the call from someone who could have very easily been my brother. He left behind a daughter, who doesn't understand why her daddy isn't there to hold her. A mother, who drove for hours hoping to find him safe and sound. A brother, who would have followed him anywhere.
It is because of our supporters that I am able to fight every day to make sure the people on the other end of the phone don't become another empty chair at the dinner table.
I know you, like me, believe in a future where veterans and service members have no greater risk of suicide than any other American.
But we need help to make it a reality. And I know there are people out there who will answer the call. I couldn't be more grateful to be part of this community.
With gratitude,
[Name redacted]
U.S. Army Veteran
[Title redacted]
P.S. I was led to Stop Soldier Suicide by my personal story, but it's become so much more than that. This is such an important fight, and we need all the help we can get to make a difference.
---------------------------------------------
★ MY MATCHING GIFT TO END MILITARY SUICIDE
[✓] YES! I believe we owe our veterans and service members nothing less than the best care and a bright, hopeful future. Enclosed is my generous, tax-deductible gift of:
$30 becomes $60
$45 becomes $90 ← This amount or more would really help!
$60 becomes $120
My Best Gift: $10.00, which will be doubled!
"QR code message": Scan this QR code or give online at StopSoldier Suicide.org/JoinMatch
https://stopsoldiersuicide.donorsupport.co/page/FUNUEYFDWFN
Paul Whiting
[Street Address and Apt. No. redacted]
[City, State and ZIP Code redacted]
Please make your check payable to Stop Soldier Suicide. To make your donation by credit card, please see reverse.
---------------------------------------------
★ STOP SOLDIER SUICIDE2026 CERTIFICATEOF APPRECIATIONPaul WhitingIs hereby recognized as aDedicated Member of Stop Soldier Suicide08/26/2026Date[Name redacted], [Title redacted]
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VETERANS & SERVICE MEMBERS AT RISK
58%
Our nation's veterans are at a 58% higher risk of suicide than their peers who have not served.
147K+
Since 2001, more than 147,000 veterans have died by suicide.
22x
By 2030, the total of veteran suicides will be 22x higher than the number of post-9/11 combat deaths.
#2
Suicide is the number 2 cause of death for veterans under age 45.
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ROGER IS JUST ONE OF MANY PROGRAMS YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT.
Our program, ROGER Wellness Services, allows clients and partners to connect with this best-in-class mental health resource in a more familiar and inviting way.
Need crisis intervention? We got you.
Proactive planning? Check.
Reforming habits? Yep.
Help navigating the system? Done.
All of the above or something else? Got you.
ROGER
That's the deal.
We hear you.
We're here for you.
To learn more, visit GoRoger.org
https://goroger.org
And, after I read the letter above, I entered the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
★ STOP
★ SOLDIER
★ SUICIDE
2X Your Gift in the Fight Against Military Suicide
At Stop Soldier Suicide, we're committed to providing 24/7, cost-free, evidence-based care to those who have served our country, ensuring they never face their battles alone. But we can't do it without your help.
Your contribution will:
- Ensure round-the-clock access to life-saving care.
- Support evidence-based, suicide-specific solutions like our ROGER wellness coordination.
- Provide long-term support to guide veterans through their darkest moments and into a brighter future.
Thanks to a generous donation from [business name redacted], all gifts up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar. Your first gift today will open the door to hope and make double the life-saving difference for veterans and service members at risk.
With 15 years of dedicated service, we know the battle continues and your support today makes all the difference. We can do this, together. Will you stand with us in the fight?
Secure donation
[✓] Give once
[ ] ❤ Monthly
[ ] $150
[ ] $80
[ ] $40
[ ] $30
[ ] $15
[ ] $8
[✓] $10
Become a monthly supporter
Would you consider becoming one of our valued monthly supporters by converting your $10 contribution into a monthly donation.
Ongoing monthly donations allow us to better focus in our mission.
[ ] ❤ Donate $10/month
[ ] Donate $5/month
[✓] Keep my one-time $10.00 gift
Enter your details
First name: Paul
Last name: Whiting
Email address: [redacted]
Phone number (optional): [redacted]
Donate as an organization: N/A
Double your impact
Many employers have a donation matching program that will double or triple the value of your donation.
Just enter the name of your employer, and we'll see if your impact can be amplified!
Your company (optional): N/A
Enter your address
Street address: [redacted]
Apartment/suite/floor: [redacted]
City: [redacted]
State: [redacted]
Zip code: [redacted]
You donate $11.00 USD
[✓] Cover transaction costs
Donate
And so, I made a one-time donation to Stop Soldier Suicide because they're "committed to providing 24/7, cost-free, evidence-based care to those who have served our country, ensuring they never face their battles alone." And "thanks to a generous donation from [business name redacted], all gifts up to $100,000 will be matched dollar for dollar." Thus, my "first gift today will open the door to hope and make double the life-saving difference for veterans and service members at risk."
Then, after I made said donation, I received an email from Stop Soldier Suicide today with the subject line, "Thank you for standing with us, Paul", which stated the following:
★ STOP
★ SOLDIER
★ SUICIDE
[Picture of "four friends sitting outdoors in a forest setting, engaged in conversation and smiling at each other. Green plants are visible nearby, creating a natural atmosphere."]
Your gift is life-changing and life-saving
Dear Paul,
Thank you for standing with us in the fight to end military suicide.
Because of you, veterans and service members facing crisis can access 100% cost-free, suicide-specific care exactly when they need it most. Your support means someone will answer when they reach out. It means personalized care from experts who understand. It means hope when hope feels out of reach.
Your generosity is life-changing and life-saving. We're deeply grateful to have you with us in this fight.
With you in the fight,
[Name redacted]
[Title redacted]
Stop Soldier Suicide
Therefore, I wanted to share with you, my readers, this donation that I made to Stop Soldier Suicide today, September 10th, for World Suicide Prevention Day, as well as for September as Suicide Prevention Month. –Paul Whiting (September 10th, 2026)
P.S.: Later on today, I also received an email from Stop Soldier Suicide with the subject line, "Please check if your donation can be matched", which stated the following:
[Graphic image showing a Stop Soldier Suicide logo, then a "+" (plus sign), followed by a gift box emoji with the word "You" written under it, then another "+" (plus sign), followed by another gift box emoji with the words "Company Match" written under it, then the "=" (equals sign), followed by a much larger gift box emoji with the words "Double the impact" written under it.]
Hi Paul,
We really appreciate your support to our organization.
Did you know that thousands of companies match donations made by employees to organizations like ours? Please visit our matching gift page to see if your company will match your gift and to access the forms, guidelines, and instructions that you need to submit your match.
[ ] Step 1: See if I'm eligible! Click here
Once you've submitted your matching gift request, please click the following link to let us know!
[ ] Step 2: I've submitted my matching gift request! Click here
If your company doesn't offer a matching gift program or won't match your donation, please let us know by clicking the following link:
[✓] I'm not eligible for a matching gift.
Regards,
Matching Gift Team
Sent on behalf of Stop Soldier Suicide
And, after I read the email above, I clicked on the hyperlink to the referenced webpage, the relevant text of which can be found below:
★ STOP
★ SOLDIER
★ SUICIDE
Let us know why your gift is ineligible
Thank you for notifying us that your donation is not eligible to be matched by your company. To note this in our records, please select one of the reasons below. Your selection will not be saved until you click "Submit" below.
[ ] I'm retired.
[✓] I am self-employed, a government employee, or not currently working.
[ ] I'm self-employed.
[✓] I'm not currently working.
[Blogger's Note: The reader should know that I am HIV-positive with full-blown AIDS. And I am on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, so that is why I indicated that "I'm not currently working."]
[ ] I'm a stay-at-home parent.
[ ] I'm in the public sector.
[ ] I work for a nonprofit.
[ ] I work part-time.
[ ] My company doesn't offer a matching program.
[ ] I don't work for the company you sent info for.
[ ] I've reached my annual matching limit.
[ ] My donation doesn't meet my company's matching gift program requirements.
[ ] I don't want to submit a match request for this gift.
[ ] I prefer not to say.
Submit
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for your response. We have updated our records.
Thus, I responded to Stop Soldier Suicide's request to see if my donation could be matched, by indicating that "I'm not currently working."
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: "If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States." Dial 988
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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: "If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States." Dial 988
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This "Paul Whiting — A Creative Writer" Post No. 318 was edited on September 10th, 2026.
"Prose is using all of the words that are necessary in order to describe all that is necessary to describe." –Paul Whiting [June 1st, 2022]
