TODAY IS WORLD Suicide Prevention Day. This is 24 hours dedicated to the almost one million people worldwide who die from suicide every year, including around 500 of our parents, siblings, mates, colleagues and neighbours who were lost tragically in Ireland.
Over the past 12 months I’ve dealt with suicidal thoughts and it has been one of the most difficult times in my life. Suicidal thoughts are tricky because part of you wants to tell someone about them, but the other part of you is so afraid of their reaction that you keep it all to yourself.
The past 12 months have been difficult but I’m slowly coming out the other side following a lot of care and love from family and friends, but it took a long time before I could be open with them about what was going on.
Although things are much better now, they are by no means a walk in the park. Every day takes a lot of effort, and I’m exhausted most of the time. But I’m putting in the work and hopefully one day all the effort will come naturally.
It is possible to overcome suicidal thoughts and I’ve put together some advice for anyone who may be feeling suicidal right now.
‘The world needs you’
I’m not a mental health expert but I do know how it feels to be in a really dark place and how lonely it can be.
First of all, although it might feel like it, you are most definitely not alone. I know you feel like the most alone person out there, even when you are surrounded by loads of people, you still feel alone and empty inside. But that’s not true- there are loads of people who want to help you if you ask them.
You need to let your family and friends love and support you through this difficult time. That’s what they are there for. Don’t feel like you’re a burden to them. Think of it like this, they would much rather help support you through a difficult time than attend your funeral.
It’s scary being honest about suicidal thoughts, but it’s essential, particularly with mental health professionals. Believe me nothing you say will shock them as they have all heard it before. It can be so difficult admitting to suicidal thoughts and you may be confused as to why you even feel that way and a little guilty for wanting to end your life. Now is not the time to be questioning why you feel the way you do, just try to accept it as a temporary state of being for now.
Suicide might seem like your only option right now, and maybe even next week, but no matter how close you are to giving up, don’t. The world needs you and you are too valuable to lose. I can promise you from my past experience that it is possible to come out of the dark hole and regain your life back again. I too feel like I’ll never escape this black hole I’m stuck in- but I’m not ready to give up just yet.
You probably feel like you’re never going enjoy life again, but you will and it’s important to be patient as it can take a while to recover from a mental health issue.
Remember…you can do this. You are worth fighting for (and allow people to fight this with you).
We all want you to win this battle because your life story has not been completed yet.
For more information on local services please check out www.yourmentalhealth.ie
Marie Duffy is a mental health advocate who hopes that one day looking after your mental health will be as natural as brushing your teeth. Her blog is Fake Tan and Foundation.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say