Here’s a first-person account.
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In honor ofNational Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, were sharing stories about suicide to encourage awareness and combat stigma.
For more information about suicide prevention, visit theAmerican Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
One unseasonably cool evening two years ago, I stood at my kitchen counter, weighing my options.
I was intent on ending my life.
…
Immediately, he knew something was wrong.
He wrote back, asking if I was okay.
I was not okay, and while I admitted so much, I minimized the severity of my situation.
Instead I texted back, Im tired.
Having survived multiple suicide attempts himself, he must have intuited my headspace.
He must have understood on some level that Im tired wasnt physical.
I didnt need a good nights sleep or a nap.
I needed an escape.
Im tired meant I didnt think I could keep going anymore.
I wanted to give up.
But his response of eight short words saved me from myself: But youre going.
Going is better than not.
This reminded me I wasnt bad or wrong for feeling this way, and that I wasnt alone.
I could get through this.
This instance wasnt my first ofexperiencing suicidal thoughts, and it might not be my last.
I have bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that causesextreme shifts in mood and energy levels.
In my case,suicidal ideation is a common trait of my condition.
Humility is an amazing gift, one that keeps on giving.
It has saved my life.
It has saved my life.
First, assess the situation by asking the person about their feelings and their thoughts.
Use the word suicide.
Mental Health First Aid suggests you encourage this person to talk about what theyre thinking and how theyre feeling.
It is also imperative to respond appropriately.
Do not criticize someone for their thoughts or feelings.
Instead, empathize and provide them with information to gain access to help.
I told him I wasnt okay, and he set up an emergency appointment for me the following morning.
He told me we would get through this.
He reminded me I was okay.
I ultimately did get through itI was okay.
…
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