Thoughts of suicide are relentlessly slamming your brain and it feels as if it will never stop. But it will subside. Because all feelings are temporary and no crisis is permanent. I did not write this post to make you feel guilty. I wrote it so you understand what it’s like from a suicide loss survivor.
If you killed yourself
The world would not be a better place. Your family would be in agony. Hardly able to function. Friends and family would think they did something wrong and beat themselves up for the clues they missed.
Horror, anger, guilt, sadness, isolation and raw, agonizing pain would be the result for those left behind if you killed yourself. They would not “get over it.” Ever. Their grief would change over time. Some would learn to move forward, some would not, but they would miss you always.
There would be an empty space at the table every holiday. A place in their hearts would never fully heal. Your family and friends would struggle during your birthday month and again during your death anniversary. Families would blame and argue who is at fault.
There is nothing romantic about suicide
Or the addiction and mental illness that drive the thoughts that cause people to end their lives.
Suicide is not selfish but a desperate act to end intense and unrelenting emotional and sometimes physical pain. That really awful part is temporary–sometimes lasting 20 minutes or less. I can fathom the intense emotional pain because I had a son that killed himself while going through withdrawal from heroin. I will never forget the horrific news of my son’s suicide but my brain stopped short of telling me to end my own life.
Strategies to save yourself are possible
Treatment, a support system and will to live during your rational moments can help prevent that awful act in your irrational ones. You simply have to have a plan for prevention and be willing to ask for help when it hits.
There is only one you. If you left us, we’d be robbed of your potential and all your gifts.
You may be the one to cure diabetes or bring joy to a dying cancer patients by playing your guitar. You may be the one to write a book that touches the lives of thousands or maybe, just maybe you would be talking one day to a crowd and inspire one person to find recovery instead of killing themselves. All because of your story.
We don’t know what you could be. So stay with us so we can find out.
- How to tell you want to kill yourself
- Suicide Safety Plan Template
- Template of a letter to oneself to prevent suicide– Self-help coping strategy
- Book for suicidal persons that is recommended by a licensed counselor, Karla Helbert, LPC: How I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying to Kill Me: One Person’s Guide to Suicide Prevention
Suicide Hotlines
- Suicide hotline in the US 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis text line. Text the word HELP to 741-741
- Veteran’s Services 1-800-273-8255, press 1
- Veteran’s Text line send HELP to 838-255
- Suicide hotlines for other countries
im scared to die but i feel like the only way to make my parent’s lifes better is for me to not be around anymore. about a year ago my father physically abused me and he told me it was my fault he and my mother were so upset (im close with my mother i love her alot shes the best and i would never want to make her sad) and ever since that ive been very very scared of him i cant even leave my room because i dont want to run into him
Oh Sophie that’s so difficult to manage all that at your age. Since you mentioned you were close, tell me about your mom and what makes her special.
I am 62, so I don’t think I’ll be curing cancer. My husband left me rather than attend marriage counseling, my mother thought I was annoying and said so, and my siblings feel the same way. I was forgotten a half dozen times that I can remember, starting when I was 5 and I was left at my aunt’s house when everyone else went to my cousin’s birthday party. No one noticed and when she got home my mother was irritated that I was crying. My identical twin sister angrily told me to go home the day after my mother died because she said I had been walking around with an attitude. (I’d been walking on eggshells trying not to irritate anyone.) My adult younger daughter has been no contact for 3 years since she emailed me that she couldn’t be herself around me. I have written apologies to her which don’t try to justify anything and acknowledge her pain. She has blocked my phone and my email. My older daughter is still in touch sometimes, but she is involved with her fiancee’s family (who are wonderful), her dad’s new wife (who apparently is wonderful), her dad’s family and my estranged siblings (I cut off contact). She has a full family life and I have no one but her. I feel I’m more of a burden than anything–she has to walk a tightrope around my family and her dad’s family. She’s clearly closer to them than me. My friends are tired of listening. Could you please tell me why I should keep living?
Karol. First, thank you for being so detailed so I could understand your pain. I’m so sorry your loved ones have treated you so poorly and have contributed to your own low self-esteem right now. It’s so unfair. Your husband gave up when you wanted to fight. That is not your fault that he gave up so easily. So in my view, you are a warrior. To have withstood all you have, you are a warrior. You do have a daughter who still loves you and one who might need you when she gets through her own stuff whatever that is which probably has nothing to do with you. Please do find support in a friend, a group, or a counselor. And you can reply here. I would be honored to hear from you again.
I didn’t realize my whole name would be used. Is there a way to change it to KS?
I can go in and edit that KS. I understand you wish for privacy
no reason i’m killing myself too at the age of 12
Eli, tell me what’s up.
my parents yell at me non sto and i tired of it so i am going to kill mself at the age of 14
Xavier that must feel awful when both of them are yelling at you. What got them started yelling at you?
Hi KS,
GOD loves you! You are very important to him. He made you and you are a treasure to Him! He really did specially make you! Even our DNA tells us it is made from intelligent design. Our DNA is an information fed system. God is the programmer of that system. He is the Creator of all things, all living creatures and all things in this universe. Anything we make, like furniture, dishes, houses, etc., we must take from what He made first. All of creation works together in harmony when we love and trust in Him and His plan. He provides all our needs. He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. He also made a perfect heaven where no sin, sickness, war, or death can go. He wants us all to be there one day, according to HIS plan, not our own. Each person born on this earth is given an appointment concerning death. Let your loving Heavenly Father make that call, not you. He longs to be Lord of your life and for you to join Him one day in His perfect heaven, but not by your hand or your time, only His. Won’t you spill your heart to Him today? Tell Him your every care, ask His forgiveness for every sin, turn from unbelief and ask Him into your heart today. Jesus is the Man of Sorrows acquainted with our grief, the Prince of Peace, who brings hope to every person, the Good Shepherd who gave His life for His sheep. He loves you sweetly and tenderly. He cares so much for you.
Nean
There really isn’t a reason to keep living, I’ve lost everything I had , and everyday is only more suffering and pain , the only reason I’m still here is because I dont want to put my mom through it but I’m getting to the point I cant take it anymore
Chris I am so sorry that the agony of losing so much is so hard and making you want to die. I admire your understanding and appreciating your mom even in your worst moments. And I am hearing you say that keeping that in mind is being overshadowed by the desire to end it as it gets harder. Do I have that right?
I am going to add that there is a part of you that is hesitant and wants to live even as the part that wants to die tries to win. That is what must be very difficult and confusing. But you are still giving life to that survival instinct. I am sorry for your pain and losses. Is all of this the result of what you have endured lately? Or have you had theses thoughts before?
I don’t want to be alive. i don’t see the point. It hurts worse and worse everyday. I just want to let go and it all to be over.
Hi A. I feel the despair in your message. And I can tell you are really suffering. Can you tell me how long this has been going on?
I’ve been really depressed since 6th grade and wanted to kill myself for years but never had the balls at got worse when someone who I considered to be like a second mom to me died yah I have family and lots of friends but I see know point to living without someone who took care of me all those years so I might kill myself soon I don’t know how to fix my depression I shouldn’t be depressed but I am.
Chris. Grief is pain I can definitely understand. And if you were already vulnerable to suicide a death of a loved one would trigger those feelings. I lost a son to suicide so grief and I know each other well. And while our experiences are likely different there are probably more similarities. Grief happens because of love. If we live we hurt when they die. I will also say that years after my son’s death I still have a relationship with him as strange as that might sound. It means I ask his advice and for his support in times of anxiety. It has helped. And what’s more there is nothing wrong with that.
Do you have people or pets in your life now you could talk to?
I just wanted to say that you just saved my life
You made my month. Thank you, K. You are always welcome to come back here and join us and contribute.
Honestly, I don’t think anyone would care if I was found dead. I just dont wanna live with this pain anymore. I’ve tried committing but my body just pulls through everytime. I hate life, it sucks and it’d probably be a better place without me.
Kyle I feel and understand your pain. I am so sorry it is so intense and convincing. Tell me about your family.
Very interesting points you have mentioned, regards for posting.
Thank you Lisa. It sometimes isn’t easy sharing this stuff and not many people knew some of the details. I opened up more about it in my new book too because there are far too many that deal with suicide.
“We don’t know what you could be. So stay with us so we can find out.”
I know what I can be. Lonely, useless, poor, angry and have no reason to live. I don’t care about what my family will feel. I’ll be dead, that’s the point. I know how my life goes if I stick around. The mild sting of losing me (even though I am objectively worthless and they shouldn’t feel anything because I have added nothing of value to their lives, or anyone’s) is not comparable to the rest of my life. People do move on, I would easily.
Joy. Her. You are suffering thoughts of suicide that’s what your brain tells you. It’s lying to you. And those thoughts are so intense for about twenty minutes. This can be treated. I hope you will ask for help. 741-741 is the suicide text line. Program that in your phone and use it when you are suffering these thoughts please.
I like Anne’s response and I can tell you that I felt the same way. But I found a way to use all that horrible pain to be there for others through my writing and other things I do. I know it isn’t easy and hopefully you’ll reach out to the resources Anne shared.
Keep in mind I’m 16 years old. I haven’t really thought about it but ever since my mom died of an OD. I haven’t felt happy since. I’ve faked it so my friends don’t worry or bring it up. I texted her 2 weeks before she died telling her what a awful mom she was for getting me taking away by DSS at age 6 and she gave me her number but I didn’t call. I could have but I didn’t ive learned that we just gotta get on with life. You could not be happy but we all have other people that think we are important and would miss our presence.
Dylan. I am so sorry you lost your mom to the insipid disease known as addiction. I, too, have regrets regarding how I acted towards Charles before he died. And I could have called him more just to say I loved him. But I can find joy three years later. Over a thousand blog posts written to work through it but I think it has helped me become a better and more compassionate person. I had to understand that to heal I had to feel. I had to understand that it was about managing the pain and not denying it. I can’t imagine being your age and going through this but it will change you in positive ways too. Thank you for reading and commenting and feel free to come back to this site at any time to comment.
I lost my mom before I had a chance to say good-bye and the 10 years before that there was no contact. It’s been difficult coming to terms with that part of life for me. We definitely have to get on with life and hopefully as we do that includes dealing with all the painful difficult experiences we’ve encountered. It is okay to do that part because otherwise, it makes life more challenging. Reaching out for help and support is a good thing to do.
We all have regrets and there comes a time we just need to forgive our humanness
I have been wanting to commit suicide for over 2 months now. I lost my wife and she took the children. She said she doesn’t love me anymore and she is moving on. Crushed my heart into pieces. I have been to the hospital teice over this. I have been abusing pills and not being able to cope with this loss at all. I have called the suicide hotline only to be told “if you wanted to kill yourself, why are you calling me”. And its true. Its so true that i have downed a bottle of hydrocodon 10mg 90 count. Ill be in a special place real soon.
I am so sorry about your wife leaving you. Tell me you survived this attempt. Please let me know if you survived.
Sad to feel so alone in the world with so many people my heart goes out to you I wish I was dead also
I’m so sorry you feel so isolated and alone. I have felt that way, too. You are welcome here on this site to share your pain. Because of the friendship here, I no longer feel alone.
When I read things like this, I’m heartbroken. It takes me back to those moments when I could see nothing worth living for. Yet, I’m still here. I know it isn’t easy. I know the pain is real and difficult and feels like more than we can handle. Keep reaching out. If the first place doesn’t work out, keep searching for another and another until you do. There is help and support. No one deserves what you’ve been through. It is okay to seek help in every possible way you can and not give up until you find it.
I believe suicide is ok. If you gotta go, you gotta go.
I understand what you are saying but those feelings are temporary like all feelings are. So many who have told me they had an attempt are glad they are alive today.
I don’t believe those feelings are temporary. For 5 months my only son hasn’t spoken to me and has blocked me from everything. He even went to my parents whom we don’t talk to. They were never good to me and now see this as a means to turn my son completely against me. I have no family or friends my son was all I had. He’s not going to come back home or let alone talk to me . The loneliness grows each day counseling doesn’t help. And I want to kill myself. So those feelings don’t go away
T – That kind of hurt grows and I can’t imagine the pain of the withdrawal of love by your child and family. What I am referring to is the intense pain that comes with wanting to actually follow through.
So after my son’s suicide it hurt all the time. But there were times in that process that were more intense. And I had to work through the pain. The pain of this loss never goes away. But it softens so I can live. And your process is a grief process. You have lost someone you love even if he is alive. And that is just as painful.
In your case there is always hope. And I think giving it time and getting help for yourself might create an environment where you can repair your relationship. I have hope for you and your son. Thank you so much for your candid comment.
Anne, you hit it on the head – they are temporary. Give it a moment, or two or three or however many it takes so you can see things in a different perspective. I won’t say it is easy to do that because I know it is difficult – but take that energy and use it to hold on until that temporary moment flees.
We are all irreplaceable. No one can fill the shoes that only you fit in. We all bring a certain unique contribution to each other. Let’s never forget that we have a purpose in this life. Never give up on living even when struggles, trials, and tribulations come to you in your life.
I love that Michael
Thank you.
You are very correct Michael. Thank you for saying that because it is true. Everyone deserves to hear this and have it repeated to them a million times over until it makes sense.
thanks ….
You are welcome Julia
People don’t give a shit about us when they want to die. Altruism doesn’t come into play during a psychotic break. It’s not selfishness. It’s just the way it is. A bit snarly I am after 26 months of grief. Damn this. We carry on. We carry on.
I know that. And I know that feeling David. I do understand it. However, I’ve realized at the point of search, people are in two states. Ambivalence or determination. With determination, they don’t stop. They are in and then out. With ambivalence, they are looking for validation to reach out. Then they’ll pause, look around and time is our ally here.
According to statistics on other posts, we have about a 10-13% shot. But that is enough to make it worth it. And in social media, we can reach people who just happen by and remember feeling that way so they read in a more rational state.
You Anne Moss are a good person.
Right back at you David. 🙂 Thank you for being here. It helps.
Thanks AM. I need to hear that from time to time.
Me, too Gray. Thanks for commenting
Beautifully written, Anne Moss. Powerful words that speak truth because you KNOW. I pray your words will touch someone considering ending his or her life and help them to hear and believe they are loved, valued and needed in this crazy, hard world. Keep fighting for those who need a voice, an advocate, a friend in the dark times… ❤️
Thank you Amy