What is your message to someone who is thinking about suicide?
I want you to know that your feelings are valid, and I hear you. I can only imagine how hard everything has been for you, and I recognize that life might feel overwhelming right now. However, I believe that there is still hope. I know you might feel alone, but I want you to know that there are still options for finding a way through this and that you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I care about you and if you’re open to it, I can offer you resources to assist you on your healing journey. I believe your pain. I would like to encourage you to see that with the right support, it is possible to take steps towards feeling better. The pain may not subside overnight; but every day that you try is another step in the direction of healing. You deserve to experience what healing feels like.
What would you tell someone who is feeling unsure about seeking support?
I know it might feel like no one and nothing can help you through these tough times, but there are so many options and incredibly kind people who want to be there for you. Reaching out for help can be scary, I understand. However, I have come to realize that asking for help shows strength. It takes so much courage to recognize that you may need some additional support on your healing journey. You are strong, and you are deserving.
Why does suicide prevention matter to you?
Suicide prevention matters to me because I understand what it's like to feel as if you are falling down a hole you can’t climb out of. I understand how lonely life can be sometimes, but I have been able to see that there are people who can help me through my rough times and resources I can take advantage of to feel like I can breathe again. It matters because I know there can be more good days than bad, it might just take some time to get there. Please give yourself that time.
How do you cope when things get tough?
One of my favourite healthy coping strategies is going for a nice long walk. I find that the fresh air helps ease my mind and gives me a clearer picture of how I am feeling. It gives me the opportunity to disconnect from my devices and focus on myself and my own needs. I also really enjoy going to the gym on the days I can’t make it outside. Leading a healthy lifestyle has become a huge part of me in recent years; I find that I can channel my emotions into my workout and by the time I have completed it, I feel a lot better and lighter. Lastly, I love to clean my space! I am a firm believer that a cluttered space equals a cluttered mind. When my home is clean to my standards, I find that I can be more productive and energetic.
What gives you hope?
When I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders, I try to look at goals I want to accomplish in the future. Even when those goals seem unattainable at the time, I believe it’s the thought that ‘maybe I could’ that keeps me going. If I can only accomplish half of my goal, I can still say I have accomplished something. Furthermore, as cliché as it sounds, I find that listening to inspirational speakers helps because it gives me a lot of comfort knowing that someone else at some point has also felt this low, and that they were able to overcome it. I also read positive affirmations to make myself feel better when I’m down. One thing I often tell myself is “I am more than I give myself credit for” and write down positive aspects of who I am. It reminds me that I am worthy and important.