Don’t give up
When you feel like you want to just throw in the towel and give up… who do you turn to?
Suicide is a name that many feel uncomfortable for some to speak on.
Suicide is death that is caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die.
An attempt is when someone harms themselves with any intent to end their life, but they do not die as a result of their actions.
I feel that everywhere I turn I either speak to someone that knows an individual that has recently passed from suicide or we are hearing it in the news.
Recently, with Naomi Judd an all American-singer and songwriter. Her children have spoken out on the debilitating mental illness she suffered for so long, depression.
There are many factors that can increase the risk for suicide or even protect against it
It can be connected to other forms of injury and violence.
An example may be people who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence, these groups have a higher suicide risk.
Don’t be alarmed to hear that this is just a fraction of the groups.
Postpartum mothers and individuals that suffer from health issues like chronic pain or another chronic illness have increased risks as well.
I’ve been there
I’ve wanted to give up. I struggled with belonging and abandonment.
I felt no one understood me and no one could help me.
I kept getting bombarded with so much negativity, you can only take so much at once.
I didn’t attempt suicide, but I thought about it.
Thinking of it and acting is still problematic, and there is help.
One word of encouragement I would like to give
Is to not feel embarrassed or less than.
You’re not a bad person, you won’t be looked at any differently.
Where to receive immediate help
- Local hospital and walk in clinics are there to address immediate help
- Suicide prevention and crises line 1-800-273-8255
- 911
Look for warning signs
You can’t always tell when a loved one or friend is considering suicide. But here are some common signs:
- Talking about suicide — for example, making statements such as “I’m going to kill myself,” “I wish I were dead” or “I wish I hadn’t
been born” - Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills
- Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone
- Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next
- Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence
- Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
- Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
- Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
- Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
- Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there is no other logical explanation for doing this
- Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again
- Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above
You don’t have to battle this alone. You have a long life to live.
So don’t give up when life hurts, and don’t let the shadows of yesterday spoil the sunshine of tomorrow, live for TODAY.
-Nandina Morris
This post was written by Lauren K., and published by Convenient Counseling Services.
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