It’s September guys; which means it is Suicide Prevention Month. And today, the 10th, is National Suicide Prevention Day. I take this month very seriously because I am a mental health advocate, and have dealt with these challenges personally. And I wanted to use this post today for reflection purposes only. Usually I try to write educational things pertaining to mental health and suicide based on my personal experience, but I wanted this post to show gratitude.
It’s been three years since my last attempt, and though it was not easy coming back from that, it was worth it. I am grateful for the family and friends who stuck by me during the rough patches. I know I was not an easy or delightful person to be around, nonetheless, thank you for staying. I have had the great opportunity to make new friends as well. I am an active aunt to my niece and nephew, who I adore completely! When I graduated high school (just barely), I left with a 2.1 GPA and am now working towards my college degree in Human Services with a 4.0. I used to settle for things, because my self worth was lower than dirt. Now, however, I believe in myself and what I am capable of when I have a passion for it. I know it is the biggest cliche in the mental health community, but it can get better. I won’t sugar coat the cliche though. It is hard and frustrating when working towards recovery. There will be days when you want to quit and stop using your skill, or ignore the coping strategies and go straight to the destructive behaviors again. I know, because I have been there too. And some days are a lot harder than others, but there is a difference between my bad days now, and my bad days three years ago. I don’t want to end my life anymore. I want to see the bad days through, and try again tomorrow. I have the ability now to see the good, and appreciate it entirely. I want to share my story and help others see their future.
To anyone reading this who is struggling to see tomorrow:
Reach out. To someone, anyone. A family member you completely trust, a friend, a teacher or guidance counselor, utilize the help lines. Peek over your fence and make friends with your funny neighbor; you may have things in common. Whatever it is that is keeping you here but you may start to think it isn’t enough anymore, it is. Whether it is your pet, your favorite coworker, your favorite subject in school, a favorite sport, your passions for the future. They are worth it, but more importantly, you are worth it. Hold on until tomorrow, try again. You are worth fighting for.
*Available Helplines*
- Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line (USA): Text HOME to 741-741
- Crisis Text Line (Canada): Text HOME to 686-868
- Substance Abuse/Mental Health Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
- Depression Hotline: 1-630-482-9696
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders: 1-847-831-3438
- Self-Injury Hotline: 1-800-366-8288
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Helpline/Treatment: 1-800-234-0420
- LGBT Youth Suicide Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
- Military Helpline: 1-888-457-4838
*More hotlines and text lines available from other online resources*
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