As someone who struggles with suicidal thoughts, I felt the need to write an open letter to all who might feel the same as me.
I know how hard it is to talk about these mental battles. My eyes are filled with tears as I’m writing this because I too need to take this advice.
Continue to fight and take it one day at a time.
I know how hard it is to take yourself out of that headspace where you feel that everything is wrong and there’s no other choice but to end your suffering – but that suffering is temporary.
Hearing people say the pain is temporary when it literally feels like a never-ending cycle is very hard to hear – but it’s the truth.
Speaking from my own experience, I know what it feels like to feel stuck and feel like nothing will ever get better.
I would stay in bed, eat all day, and hurt myself physically – but also mentally, overthinking and wondering why I have to feel this way, why is my life going the way is it, and so on.
I did this alone for a while too. I know so many people that struggle with this also do it alone.
But let’s try to start to feel comfortable with opening up to people.
That fog that we feel in our lives, let’s voice it and let others know that we are struggling.
I understand that some people feel like they might be a burden to those around them, or might feel like they will be judged or misunderstood. Take that chance. Talk to everyone that you care about. Receive advice from different people who have been through different walks of life and see things differently. Do not go through this alone.
I wish I could go back and tell myself from the jump that I needed help, and that it’s ok to need help.
Not to say my problems would be solved right away, but talking to someone or even going through how I feel in a more positive way, such as journaling or doing something for ME – would’ve allowed me to start seeing through the fog and trying to get to the finish line.
It’s still hard for me to open up honestly, but I can tell you that letting people in and opening up about that will bring some change.
Whether people start to check up on you more or allow you to talk about your feelings, you’ll start to see that you do not need to go through this alone. Other people you speak to on the day-to-day might’ve also struggled with this and can also point you in the right direction to get out of this space.
Taking that first step of communicating your actual thoughts and feelings is hard, but it is the one way I know will help you get on the right track to seeing better days.
I came across this quote today that I hope will resonate with you as it did with me.
“One day I’ll wake up and be glad I did.”