I usually write funny, sarcastic articles (last week’s article, for example, poked fun at the whole “new year, new relationship” idea), but I’ve decided to sober up a bit for this week because it’s Suicide Prevention Week. I’ve known countless people who have experienced depression and suicidal ideation (myself included) and these people are probably the true reason I chose to study psychology.
When it comes to depression and suicide, I can write words which expose hard, raw emotions and words which saturate pages with their sadness. I can write about how I’ve felt and how others have felt during their dance with the darkness, the way pain calls and we answer. I’m pretty good at that. But today, I don’t want to do that. Today, I want to turn to anyone who has ever struggled with or been affected by depression and/or suicide and walk alongside them. I want to wrap them in my words and pray that the words comfort, not strangle. I know all too well how it feels for people to spew ignorance in the name of inspiration. So, I will do my best not to.
This is for you.
You have faced and overcome your every worst day thus far.
It’s okay to cry.
You are always enough and you are never too much.
You’ve been strong for so long.
You are not fine and that's okay.
You are not what you do, what you have or what others think of you.
There is nothing wrong with asking someone to do something you’ve been doing for them all along.
You are not a nuisance. You are not annoying. You are worthy of love.
Forgive yourself. It's okay if you're not perfect.
You are more than your sadness, anxiety, pain. You are the heart and soul enduring in spite of all of it.
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Many apologies if this came off as cheesy. I tried to pick things which were less typical because, as I said earlier, I know how much of a turn off certain “inspirational quotes” can be. But if you like that sort of thing, remember the stars can't shine without the night and storms don't last forever.
In all seriousness, if you have (or you know of someone who has) experienced depression or suicidal thoughts, of course I want you to seek help. Of course I want you to talk to someone--a counselor, friend, trusted adult. Of course I’m going to provide the suicide hotline number (1-800-273-8255) and tell you they have an online chat if you don’t want to talk. Of course I want things to get better for you.
But I know it's not easy. I know some days, it feels like you don't know who you are without your depression. I know some days, you'll take one step forward and three steps back. I know it's not as simple as "changing your mindset" or "thinking positive" and that this isn't a choice. I know. So above all, I want to remind you you are not alone.
