I remember waking up a few years ago feeling like I was curled up at the bottom of a deep dark hole where I could barely breathe, wondering what happened. Wondering how I got there. And not really caring if I ever saw light again. I felt like the only way to stop hurting was to sleep so deeply that I wouldn’t wake up.
I finally found the strength to get help. It was a long tough climb for me out of that dark hole. Therapy saved my life and gave me critical tools to keep going.
I believe we must talk openly about mental health and suicide so that those who are struggling know it’s okay to get the help they need.
You can help, too. In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and my partner, Mental Health America want you to #BeThe1To – know the 5 steps to help someone in suicidal crisis:
ASK
When somebody you know is in emotional pain, ask them the tough question directly, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
KEEP THEM SAFE
Is your friend thinking about suicide? Ask if they’ve thought about how they would do it and separate them from anything they could use to hurt themselves.
BE THERE
Listen to your friend’s reasons for feeling hopeless and in pain. Listen with compassion and empathy, without dismissing or judging.
HELP THEM CONNECT
Help your friend find a support system, whether it’s 800-273-TALK, family, friends, clergy, coaches, co-workers or therapists, so they have a network to reach out to for help.
FOLLOW UP
Check in on a regular basis. Making contact during the days and weeks after a crisis can make a difference in keeping them alive.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Go to #BeThe1To for lots of valuable information. You might help save a life. ❤️