A Message to Someone With Suicidal Thoughts

Summary

In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, the speaker shares a personal experience with suicidal thoughts, recounting a time they almost took their life but chose not to. Drawing on lessons from a university professor who worked in a maximum-security prison, the speaker offers advice for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the importance of reaching out for help. The speaker stresses that depression is treatable and that those considering suicide should wait, as there is always hope for change. They also highlight the profound, lasting impact that suicide has on loved ones.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's okay to wait before making drastic decisions like suicide; you can always do it tomorrow. Taking time can offer perspective and potential solutions.
• 😀 If you're feeling suicidal, it's important to reach out and tell someone close to you. Hiding your emotions can exacerbate the situation.
• 😀 If you don't have anyone to confide in, seek professional help immediately, such as going to the hospital and sharing your thoughts with medical staff.
• 😀 Suicide becomes a serious consideration when a person has a detailed, implementable plan of how they would take their life. If you have such a plan, tell someone.
• 😀 Suicidal thoughts often stem from a mental or physical health issue that might be treatable. Depression, for example, could have underlying causes that can be addressed.
• 😀 People who are suicidal often feel trapped in their emotions, believing that their present and future are unbearable. However, treatment can help alter this outlook.
• 😀 People who survive suicide attempts or prevent themselves from acting on suicidal thoughts often realize that they can get better with time and care.
• 😀 The impact of suicide on loved ones can be devastating, leaving them with lifelong guilt and trauma. People who are suicidal may not fully understand this consequence.
• 😀 It's essential to understand that while you may believe suicide is a way to help others, it often has the opposite effect, deeply harming those left behind.
• 😀 Societies typically view suicide negatively because of the lasting destruction it causes to those who are left to cope with the aftermath.

Q & A

What advice did the speaker's professor offer about suicide?

The professor advised, 'You can always do it tomorrow,' emphasizing the idea of waiting before making a final decision, since suicide is irreversible.

Why does the speaker suggest waiting rather than acting on suicidal thoughts immediately?

The speaker suggests waiting because suicide is a permanent decision, and there may be opportunities for recovery or changes in perspective with time.

What is the significance of having a detailed plan for suicide according to the speaker?

A detailed and implementable plan for suicide is a strong indicator of someone being at serious risk. The speaker stresses that when someone has specific thoughts and actions planned, it shows the severity of the situation.

How does the speaker recommend someone experiencing suicidal thoughts should seek help?

The speaker advises telling someone close to you about your feelings. If there is no one to confide in, going to a hospital and telling a professional about the suicidal thoughts and the plan is essential.

Why is it important to tell others about suicidal thoughts?

Telling others helps ensure you are not alone in facing those thoughts, and they can help you find the necessary support or professional help to prevent self-harm.

What are some possible medical causes of depression that the speaker mentions?

The speaker highlights that depression can be caused by undiagnosed medical conditions such as immunological issues, inflammatory disorders, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

What does the speaker mean by 'the depressive cloud'?

The 'depressive cloud' refers to the pervasive feeling of hopelessness and despair that affects all aspects of life, including the past, present, and future, and is often hard to escape from without intervention.

How does suicide impact the people left behind, according to the speaker?

The speaker stresses that suicide leaves lasting emotional trauma for the loved ones, who may feel guilt and regret, especially if they believe they could have done something to prevent it.

What does the speaker suggest about the effectiveness of treatments for depression?

The speaker emphasizes that depression is often treatable, and it's worth exploring various treatment options before making any irreversible decisions like suicide.

What role does the speaker suggest society plays in how suicide is viewed?

The speaker notes that most societies regard suicide as a crime, highlighting the devastating aftermath it leaves behind, as it can result in catastrophic emotional damage for those who remain.