Family, friends, social workers, religious leaders and everyone else usually have an argument for why someone should not have taken away their own life.
But it’s usually not that easy and for me suicide has always remained an option -should for whatever reason I get to a point where this part of my existence doesn’t work any longer,I can just make the transition -and it might not make any sense to someone, especially if you have not been suicidal or you have your own mind working against you or you have experienced a lot of trauma that nothing anyone else says can help clear the fog in your mind.
Lucky for me I studied social work and one of the very first eye opening units was on trauma, that very unit helped me greatly in understanding why I used to be sad most of the time -for no reason, why I had suicidal thoughts at least once every month. Going for counseling sessions have also been a great help-my counselor has been very helpful in helping with the process of connecting dots, suggesting strategies that have provided better alternatives to self care and ofcos finding meaningful work has also been a life saver.
Until I get there again, if ever, I am lucky to have knowledge on how my mind works, strategies to make my life work for me, people I can talk to without feeling judged and habits that keep my mind healthy. But again, not everyone is as lucky and that is why we should continue to create a world where people are allowed to be human (imperfect), children are protected from abuse, people are trained to be resilient, and a safe spaces are created for everyone.
Again, if it is not something you would ever do, good for you. Just keep in mind it may be the best alternative for some of us.
If you are one of those of us who have had suicidal tendencies, before the next episode comes, consider going for counseling, start working out, eat healthy, come up with a plan for your life and if you are lucky to have a friend who can just listen to you -talk to them….and don’t wait until you can no longer handle it…… aside from that, I am sorry you feel that way -it sorry it feels that way but no judgement on you do what you have to do.
THE SOCIAL WORKER 