Hope Amongst Us
Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it and to work for it, and to fight for it. – Barack Obama
This past Saturday I attended and presented at the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network Summit. While there I was reminded of hope. Every time I am involved in a mental health activity or program, I am reminded that despite the darkness of mental illness, there is hope.
It may seem odd that I found hope at a gathering centered on suicide. The thing is everyone here is focused on preventing suicide and that includes bringing hope to those dealing with suicidal thoughts and/or those who are contemplating suicide. We are gathered here to make a difference in people’s lives. As someone who has struggled with suicidal thoughts and contemplated suicide, being able to talk openly about my struggle is healing. At events like this I realize that I am not alone. I also see that there are people who care. These realizations go a long way into helping me heal. I am guessing that others find similar healing.
In the quote above, President Obama speaks about hope being inside of each of us. That is a powerful statement. Sometimes it does not feel like I have any hope. Many people with mental illness also experience this lack of hope. Sometimes it is hard for us to feel that hope, but President Obama is right. The hope is inside of us. As he mentions, there is a lot that tells us there is no hope. Our illness speaks loudly. It tries to force us to latch on to the contrary evidence. We need to rely on the courage that we do not always know we possess and push ourselves to work to allow the hope to take its presence. We need to fight to rise above our mental illness. We need to fight to overcome suicidal thoughts.
Once we start fighting, we will learn that there are people out there ready and willing to help us. Days like today, when I am surrounded by people who are trying to erase the stigma surrounding suicide and to help people battle their suicidal thoughts, hope enters my heart. My mind recognizes that hope is a reality. All these people are working, fighting, to support people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or contemplating suicide. Knowing these people care and are willing to give up their time to support people like me, grows that hope inside of me and others.
I also gain hope from my ability to share my experience and knowledge with others. I presented as part of a panel with three women from a suicide loss support group, SOLACE. Being able to share with these women and present our experiences with others strengthens me. It lets me see that my experiences have brought me to not only a place of healing for myself, but to a place where I can try to bring healing to others. Isn’t that what hope is about? Being able to find hope within myself and share that hope with others, demonstrates that I am fighting to keep hope alive. It shows that my journey, despite having reached some deeply dark places, is making a difference.
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
911
Or go to the nearest emergency room.
As painful as life can be, there is hope. Reach for it, work for it, fight for it!
before our panel presentation
