It’s World Suicide Prevention Day, and I’m living proof that it’s possible to reduce deaths from suicide.
There was a time when I was in such a dark place that I didn’t really care 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 and began the excruciating climb out of that dark hole. Therapy saved my life and gave me critical tools to keep going. It’s actually how my #ichoosebeauty project began.
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. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline @988lifeline wants you to 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: If your friend is having thoughts of suicide, connect them to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline new three-digit number: 988.
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.com for lots of valuable information. You might help save a life.️