Suicide Prevention Blog
By: Aliya Blackburn
Disclaimer: I am not a licensed therapist. Trigger Warning: topic, suicidal thoughts and depression.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. And for my first ever blog, I think this is an appropriate topic as I am extremely passionate about this. Did you know according to the CDC, suicide is the leading cause of death in the United States? And the numbers have only increased in recent years. This statistic absolutely breaks my heart because mental health stigma prevents many people from reaching out and getting the help they need. Every single person’s life matters. We were all put on this earth for a purpose; and we all belong here.
When I was 14, I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety. Along with that came suicidal ideation (SI). This was a symptom of my depression. This can be very scary for a young teenager that doesn’t really know what’s going on, or why these thoughts are occurring. I was very scared and didn’t know who to turn to. I ended up telling a school counselor my freshman year of high school. And to this day, I believe she saved my life. I don’t know where I would be if that counselor didn’t get me help. From that day, I have been to treatment centers and to lots of therapy! In therapy, they teach me how to properly cope with these thoughts and who to call if they worsen. I have a safety plan; and I am open with my family and therapist on my thoughts, so they can support me when I need it. I have learned so much in the past 4 years since I have been going to therapy. It truly shaped me into the person I am today. I learned my thoughts do NOT define me, but actually empower me and make me so much stronger. I have built so much resiliency, and learned to not fight against my thoughts… but to work with them. I can’t get mad at them; they are a symptom I struggle with and they don’t control me. Recovery is a journey; and I’m currently still on mine. I learn new ways to cope and new information every single day. And that’s what makes recovery so awesome! It’s a never-ending journey of growth. Recovery is possible for everyone; you just need to get the proper level of treatment you need.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, PLEASE get help. Getting help was one of the hardest but best things I ever did. Or reach out to someone like a trusted adult in your life or a friend. Having a support system is so necessary when dealing with depression. But if you’re on the other end of that, a question I sometimes get asked is, “How can I help a loved one that is currently struggling with depression?” And I am NOT a licensed therapist, but an 18-year-old girl that has gone through it. But I would recommend listening to them without any judgment. Let the person know you care and are there for them. Another way you can help a loved one is to check up on them and make sure they are getting help. Encourage them to get the proper level of care they need and deserve. One last thing I personally recommend is taking them out on a nice walk or to a park. Going outside can help so much, and has personally helped me with my depression. And sometimes I needed someone to drag me out of bed and take me outside— and I greatly appreciate them.
Becoming aware of suicide prevention is so important. Caring can save lives. So after reading this, check in on a loved one… how are they? Ask them how their day went. Small words like that can make someone’s whole day and show them people do care.
I wanted to end with these words of encouragement: Your life’s worth living. You are here for a reason, and you are loved. There is hope, I promise you. Get the help you deserve. Let’s all do our part to end the stigma around mental health, and save lives.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number:
1-800-273-8255
(This lifeline provides 24-hour, free, confidential support for anyone in distress or in crisis.)
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
Also check out this months coloring sheet related to suicide prevention on my etsy shop.
Love what you’re spreading Aliya, great job!
This is so great Aliya! Thank you for bringing awareness to this topic and giving really good tips on how to help others!