Finding a way through suicidal feelings | 8 stories of hope

Summary

The speaker shares a deeply personal story of despair and suicidal thoughts at 13, feeling like a burden and wanting to escape the pain. They emphasize the misconception of suicide as selfishness and the struggle to seek help. The turning point was asking for help, leading to overwhelming support and a realization of hope. They encourage others in similar situations to reach out, highlighting the importance of connection and the possibility of overcoming despair.

Takeaways

• 🌌 The speaker felt hopeless and wanted to escape their pain at the age of 13.
• 🛫 They had a desire for the plane to crash to avoid the feeling of fault.
• 🏥 They wished for a terminal illness as a way to numb their emotional pain.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 The speaker felt like a burden to their family and wanted to alleviate that.
• 🤔 They struggled with the misconception that suicide is a selfish act.
• 🗣️ It was difficult for them to ask for help, fearing acknowledgment of their situation.
• 💪 Asking for help provided a sense of relief and support from friends.
• 👫 The speaker's friends were shocked but supportive when they opened up about their feelings.
• 🌟 They found hope and strength in the support of others and the realization that they were not alone.
• 🏆 The speaker highlights the importance of holding onto hope, even if it's just a small glimmer.
• 🤝 Encouraging others to reach out and seek support, emphasizing that they are not alone.

Q & A

At what age did the speaker first attempt to end their life?

The speaker was 13 years old when they first attempted to end their life.

What was the speaker's emotional state during the flight when they were 13?

The speaker was feeling hopeless and wanted the plane to fall out of the sky to escape their pain.

Why did the speaker feel they had no future?

The speaker felt they had no future because they thought they were going to lose their children forever.

What was the speaker's primary motivation for wanting to escape their body?

The speaker wanted to escape their body to numb the pain and torment they were experiencing.

How did the speaker perceive their situation compared to others?

The speaker felt at an intense disadvantage, comparing their struggle to slogging through thick mud while others seemed to walk by casually.

What misconception about suicide does the speaker address?

The speaker addresses the misconception that suicide is a selfish act, explaining that it's not about selfishness but feeling like a burden during intense pain.

What was the speaker's greatest fear when considering asking for help?

The speaker's greatest fear was being locked up, which made it difficult for them to ask for help.

What was the speaker's experience after finally asking for help?

After asking for help, the speaker was met with support and felt an immediate sense of relief.

How did the speaker's mindset change after seeking help?

After seeking help, the speaker felt lighter, both physically and mentally, and started to see hope.

What advice does the speaker give to those who are considering suicide?

The speaker advises finding someone they feel comfortable with to say they are not okay and to hold onto any light of hope, no matter how small.

What message does the speaker want to convey to those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts?

The speaker wants to convey that they are not alone, that others care about them, and that there is a way out of their situation.