Kids in foster care are 4x more likely to have considered suicide.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and as it comes to a close, we find ourselves thinking even more deeply about the individuals behind the wishes on our site.
Do they have support?
Do they feel alone?
Do they know how much they matter?
Experiencing foster care isn't just about what happened before care, it is also about all the feelings that come with being in care, and for many, the worry that comes with aging out. There are so many issues that compound the trauma of these experiences as well; poverty, abuse, abandonment and often a lot of unanswered questions about why and what is next.
With all of this loss, fear and instability, it shouldn't surprise any of us that the suicide rate among those who have been in foster care is higher than the national average; with many more having attempted to end their lives as well.
We know we cannot be everything to all of them. We know that granting wishes is not the solution. But we also know that doing nothing, and saying nothing, is definitely not the answer.
We believe in the power of these wishes to connect those in need to the things - and the people - that bring them hope. We believe that there can be magic in experiencing joy. And, we will always believe, that more love is always the answer.
Today we are highlighting a few wishes from individuals that have shared with us that they are struggling with their mental health. We also know there are so many more who are struggling in silence. So, please don't underestimate the power of any gesture of love or any extension of kindness.
We need all of it, often and everywhere.
Here are some to get you started:
The world really does need all of us,
Danielle and The OSW Team
