A Letter to Anyone Contemplating Suicide or Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts

To Anyone Contemplating Suicide or Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts: 

I see you. I understand you. At times I am you. I cannot say that I know exactly what you are feeling or thinking. Each of our experiences are our own. I can say that I have felt the pain of suicidal thoughts, the pain of feeling there is no other way. I know it is a pain that is difficult to explain to others. It is a pain that is difficult to endure. I have been helped in my moments of crisis. There is help for you, too. If you feel that you do not have someone to reach out to, call or text 988, go to the emergency room, or tell a loved one. There is help. There is hope. The pain will get better. This world needs you and all you have to offer. I know right now you may not believe this. I did not believe it, but I have learned that it is true. Your life is worth living.

                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                    Someone Who’s Been There 

 

Suicide Prevention Month is a time when we focus on saving lives. It is a time to encourage conversations about suicide. Talking about suicide is important. By talking about suicide, we remove the stigma that so often prevents people from getting help. If we can help people to understand that they do not need hide their suicidal thoughts in shame, we can encourage them to reach out for help. It is okay to have suicidal thoughts. These thoughts are not a sign of weakness. They are symptoms of mental illness. Just as with any illness, someone with suicidal thoughts deserves treatment. I hope that as Suicide Prevention Month draws to a close, we can continue have conversations about suicide and normalize seeking help. 

This month I have focused on suicide prevention because I feel strongly about it. If you have not read the other posts, I encourage you to look back over the past month. Share with others. It is through caring enough to talk openly about suicide that we can save lives.

If you are having suicidal thoughts or contemplating suicide, please reach out to a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. If you do not have one, you can reach out to 

988

911

Or go to the nearest emergency room.