Suicide Prevention Month is a time to help people who struggle with suicidal thoughts. An unfortunate reality is that suicidal thoughts can happen to anyone. There is no person that is immune to it. Suicidal thoughts are a symptom of an illness. That illness can affect anyone. Suicidal thoughts are painful and often debilitating. No one should have to face suicidal thoughts alone. That is why the awareness raised in months like this and the awareness work of mental health advocates and volunteers in groups such as NAMI is so critical.
People who are experiencing suicidal thoughts need to be listen to. They need support. They need to feel safe reaching out for help. When a person’s thoughts are telling them that their life is not worth living, they need to be heard not judged. These thoughts are real. When a person shares that they are having suicidal thoughts their intention is not to be attention seeking. They are reaching out for help, and they deserve that help.
I have lived with suicidal thoughts since I was a teenager. At times these thoughts have been overwhelming and have led me to an edge I could have fallen over. Suicidal thoughts are painful. In my experience, it is difficult to talk back to these thoughts. For a long time, I tried to cope on my own. That was not healthy and led me further into the darkness of depression. These thoughts are real. I am lucky to have a mental health team that I can turn to in these times. It is for this reason that I work to raise awareness about the difficulties associated with mental illness. I want to help others find the help I have found. No one deserves to live with suicidal thoughts alone.
I have learned that my suicidal thoughts are not my fault. That was a difficult lesson to learn. The thoughts are inside our heads. That makes it easy to believe we are at fault. But there is no blaming. There is no fault. Suicidal thoughts just happen. As I mentioned earlier, suicidal thoughts are a part of mental illness. Even with treatment, we can still be impacted by suicidal thoughts because these thoughts are powerful and are sneaky little b****es. They rush in when we are struggling. At other times they creep into our heads. I believe it is important to share our thoughts at times like these. This does not mean to just tell anyone. We need to share with someone we can trust. A mental health provider or a loved one can be vital listeners. If you do not have someone you can turn to, 988 is an important resource. This helpline can connect you with support and the person on the line can support you until you are connected with the appropriate help provider. Another important resource is 911. If you are in immediate danger, it is best to call 911.
Everyone deserves support. When we raise awareness about mental health and mental illness, we are making it possible for people to be heard. We are making it possible for people to receive the support they need in times of crisis. Suicidal thoughts should never be dismissed. They are serious and need to be addressed.
Remember anyone can be affected by suicidal thoughts and these thoughts are not a sign of weakness. No matter how difficult times are or how loud the thoughts are, life is worth living.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help.
You can call 988 or 911. NAMI has helplines.
Your primary care provider is also an option.
If you have a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist shareyour thoughts with them.
You can also go to any emergency room.
