Thirteen years ago, when I was seventeen years old, I was clinically depressed and suicidal. I wrote about this experience on the popular Tiny Buddha site in an article called How to Move Forward When You Feel Like Your Life Is Over – feel free to check it out if you’re interested. The article has helped others and it’s my sincere intention that it will benefit you as well. There are some tools in this article that may help you.
After a series of unexpected setbacks, in the spring of my senior year of high school, I seriously considered taking my own life. With the rope in my hands, I was close to ending it all.
I’ve gotten messages from people all around the world who said that sharing this has helped them. I say that not to impress you, but rather to emphasize that it’s important we keep talking about this challenging topic of suicide prevention. People are losing their lives because they’re afraid to talk about it with others.
If you’re thinking about taking your own life, please don’t do it. You have a purpose and there’s a reason for you being here. You are loved and there’s help available. There are people who care. You matter.
I know it’s hard to feel like you matter and you’re loved, so keep these ideas in mind:
- Take it one breath at a time – literally
- Keep it in perspective
- Instead of trying to think positively, shift back to neutral
- Recognize what’s happened is not a reflection of your worth
- Know that you are loved
- Remember that there is a hidden opportunity in every setback
- Realize this situation serves a purpose
If you need someone to talk to, feel free to email me at jeff@jeffdspeaks.com.
Stay strong, I believe in you.
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