TW: Suicide Prevention Day

Today is Suicide Prevention Day. This week is Suicide Prevention Week. And this month is Suicide Prevention Month.

If you’ve ever felt suicidal in the past, or you’re feeling it right now, I’m talking to you. 

It’s important that you understand that whatever you’re feeling right now – it will pass. 

You are loved. Probably more than you’ll ever know.

You are needed. You are making someone else’s life better just by being in it.

You are not a burden. Nobody else thinks that.

You are not your depression. You are so much more than an illness.

You are strong. You’re fighting this invisible battle AND getting through life.

You are resilient. You’ve survived all your worst days so far.

You are not alone. People will help you if you let them.

You might think nobody will take you seriously. If somebody doesn’t take you seriously, that’s on them. You don’t need that negativity. A true friend will take you seriously. The Samaritans will take you seriously. Your GP will take you seriously.

You might think “nobody would even notice if I wasn’t here”. That’s not true. People would notice. And I imagine the thought of you not being around doesn’t bear thinking about for many people.

You might think you don’t deserve to be happy. Of course you deserve to be happy! But let’s just work on not feeling like this for now! Small steps.

You can’t change your past, but your future can be whatever you want it to be.

Reach out. Ask for help. If you’re not comfortable talking to someone you know, talk to a stranger. There are lots of organisations you can contact.

There are people out there who love you and will fight for you. You don’t have to do this alone. Let them help you. You might be excellent at hiding what’s been going on in your head, and they’re unlikely to be mind readers! So give them a chance. Talk it out with someone.

Here are a few things for you to remind yourself of…

This will pass.

I don’t really want to die, I just want the pain to end.

There are other ways to end my pain, even if I can’t see them right now.

Suicidal thoughts are a symptom, not a solution.

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary feeling.

It’s a massive decision to make on your own, and you’re only presenting one side of the argument to yourself. Your depression shouldn’t be trusted to make these decisions on your behalf. Take a step back. Speak to someone who will give you the other side of the argument.

People care about you. There wouldn’t be a Suicide Prevention Day / Week / Month if people didn’t care. 

You can find the details of organisations you can speak to here. Give them a call. You’ve got nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

If you are in crisis right now, you’ve seriously injured yourself, or your life is at risk, you need urgent attention. Go to A&E.

You’re not alone.

People do care.

This will pass.

Debi <3

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Debi Skea
Debi Skea

Director & Co-Founder at Humans of Code

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