How I continue to heal and stay out of the darkness
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.
If you're in a lot of emotional pain right now, please don't give up on the world and on those who love you. The pain you're feeling won't last forever. I promise you. There is help. There is hope. It does get better.
Suicidal ideation is more common than you think. I've gone through it, and when I talk about it openly, I always get dozens of messages from people who've been through it or are going through it too.
If you're suffering from intense emotional pain, suicidal ideation, feeling completely numb, or all of the above, I realllly want you to know that it CAN get better.
Here are a few things that continue to help me heal and stay out of the darkness:
1. Be open with someone who loves you.
It's important to externalize the things we're thinking to someone safe. Saying it out loud can lead to getting more help, support, and sometimes, it makes the scary thoughts have less power.
2. Don’t be afraid to call the suicide hotline: 800-273-8255.
I have called this number before. The person on the line was kind and compassionate. They researched different mental health support options in my area. What really helped me in that moment though was just having someone to talk to about what I was experiencing.
3. Take your healing seriously, even when you’re not in crisis.
We tend to hear people talk about mental health when they’re at a breaking point when it's really something that needs to be maintained on the regular. I like to think of mental health as mental hygiene. Showering, brushing my teeth, and wearing clean clothes daily are important, and so is my mental health hygiene. Making time for joy, eating well, good sleep and exercise habits, and doing a weekly wellness check-in to see if I have any chronic issues that I should get professional help with are things I work to do on the regular.
4. Don’t be afraid to get professional help.
Yes, therapy can be expensive, but so far, much of my therapy has been paid for through a government-sponsored program or a privately funded program. When I had to pay for it myself, I went once a month. When I had no money for therapy, I went to free support groups. The point is to search for what's out there before you close the door. There are more options than you think. Sometimes your brain will tell you it's all hopeless when it's not. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Social workers who work at clinics and hospitals also know of great programs.
5. Work with what you’ve got.
This sounds simple, but it’s really so important because there are always so many limitations, especially if you live with depression, anxiety, or any other mental challenge. Whenever you feel like the entire world is closing in on you, and you don’t know what to do next, I want you to think of just one thing, one tiny thing, you can do right now with the time, energy, and resources you DO have. This has carried me through so many dark valleys, and it always pulls me through.
6. Lastly, remember you’re not broken. You’re a human living in a broken world, doing the best you can. 💛
Take good care. I'm sending you love and strength if you're navigating this darkness right now. Don't wait to reach out for help. If my words resonated and helped you, please consider sharing them. Odds are there are others who could use the encouragement and support.
I’m sending you love and strength. Thank you for being here. The world is better with you in it. 💖
Are you searching for a community where you can make friends, feel understood, and learn how to love and care for yourself?
I want to invite you to check out my program No Longer Last. It’s a 9-month trauma-informed group coaching & community experience designed to guide you on a healing journey of self-love and self-care. Click here to check it out!
