What do those thinking of suicide say?

I’ve published Charles’ tweets and facebook posts but these are examples from a wide variety of people who are thinking of suicide. All ages and genders.

These are real life examples shared with me by those who have lived experience and others from relatives of loved ones who have attempted or completed a suicide.

It is my hope that by seeing these examples, you don’t dismiss texts and social media posts as “trying to get attention.”

These are “invitations” to ask the question, “Are you thinking of suicide?” There are opportunities to intervene and prevent suicide.

Your job as a friend or loved one is to listen with empathy and try to keep them safe for now which could mean calling 911, the suicide hotline or the crisis text line. Do keep in mind that alcohol and drugs are often involved when someone is thinking of suicide.

From Neico Hayden to his girlfriend before his attempt that he thankfully survived. You will notice that he is wanting to tell someone but not coming out and saying it outright.

There are some metaphors which are huge red flags. “I look in the mirror and feel worthless,” is one of those metaphors.

The one below is from Drew Martin (22) who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and died by suicide just 3 weeks after Charles died. They knew each other and lived in the same area in Midlothian. I don’t think one inspired the other. Drew had been in a work release program in jail. Note that getting in trouble with the law is often an indication of depression– with young men, especially.

The emotional pain during that brain attack known as suicidal thinking can be very intense. Very convincing. Those suffering suicidal thoughts think they can’t take it any more and want to end their emotional pain. They don’t necessarily want to kill themselves but their brain is telling them that they need to end it. Time is your ally. The longer you can listen and keep them engaged, or escort them for help, the better the chance is that that feeling will subside.

To those who think, ‘I’m not qualified to talk to someone who is suicidal’