In honor of suicide prevention week, I thought I would take a moment to address the topic of suicide as although it can be a hard topic of conversation for some, it is also incredibly important.
Most of us have been affected by suicide at some point in our lives; whether you experienced thoughts of it, attempted it, survived it, know or lost someone who has struggled, this matter affects us all. Chances are you know someone right now who may be having these thoughts or maybe even mourning the loss of one they know to it. You may even know someone who may be having thoughts of it even if they haven’t told you directly or “seem fine” which is why it’s so important to understand the warning signs, and how to help others and/or yourself who may be struggling.
So what are the warning signs? How can we really know when someone “seems fine” or doesn’t tell us directly that they are feeling this way or struggling at all? Well, the truth is, most people who do have these thoughts or are considering suicide, or even dealing with any type of mental health concern do not often let others know. They often feel as though it’s “shameful” or that it’s a burden for them to feel this way or put it on someone else. It can be extremely hard, scary, and overwhelming for someone to reach out for help or talk about this topic. With that being said, if someone does happen to reach out to you or talk to you about these things, please take it seriously because most likely, they are being serious and they most likely need you most right now. But back to when we don’t know...How can we tell? Is it okay to ask if we suspect it? Will we be putting the thoughts in someone's head if we do ask? The first thing I will say here to answer these questions are is absolutely okay to ask if you suspect or notice possible signs. You will not be putting these things in someone’s head by asking. In fact, some people may never, ever speak up about it unless someone does ask. Some people are waiting for just one person to see, to ask, to care. Sometimes simply asking the question “Are you ok?” “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” “I care about you, I’m here for you” is/are all someone needs to hear if they are in fact battling with these thoughts; sometimes simply knowing someone cares is all someone needs to keep going, to feel hope. Asking about suicide, and asking these questions can truly save a life.
So what are the actual signs? Common signs are feelings of depression, isolation/withdrawal, not doing things that one usually enjoys, giving away possessions, talking about death, talking about suicide directly, talking negatively about oneself, feelings of hopelessness/worthlessness. If you recognize these signs in yourself, please do not be afraid to ask for help. Yes, I know it can be scary. But I promise, you are not alone. Talk to someone you trust, text Crisis Text Line by texting home to “741741”, call the free suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-825 (both available 24/7), consider talking to a counselor. Help and resources are out there. Battling with these thoughts can be incredibly overbearing but you don’t have to sit with them alone. And if you see these signs in others, talk to them, offer support, provide them with the resources listed above, offer to talk to someone with them, offer to simply listen, ask them what they need. If you’re unsure about a situation, if you feel as though you’re in a position where you can’t help the person, talk to someone you can trust who can help you; don’t take it lightly.
Additionally, for those struggling whether it be yourself or knowing someone who’s experienced/is experiencing this, have lost someone to it etc. again, you are not alone. There are so many resources out there. You are worth it. You are amazing. You got this. I know it may be hard right now but remember, no storm lasts forever. Whatever it is you may be going through, you can and you will get through this. There is hope and your story does not end here. Everything you’re going through right now in this moment is making you so much stronger than you can possibly imagine and I know it doesn’t feel like that right now but one day, it will. Don’t give up, you are worth it and again, you will get through it.
Thank you so much for reading! Please share to spread the word; you never know who may need to see this. <3
~Compassionately Inspired
Resources:
Text: Crisis Text Line: “home” to 741741 (24/7) - https://www.crisistextline.org/textline?msclkid=a8d1ef3138e51db90dbbb24565a68010
Call: Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-825 (24/7) - https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness)- https://nami.org/About-NAMI?gclid=Cj0KCQjwqs3rBRCdARIsADe1pfT4KFd0yaNTe1evZJ7U8LxIDAHLayN6MSbIcIywEXMc85GNE19IWD8aAih7EALw_wcB
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