Please. I need help. How do you deal with your mental health when itās in a really low point? Like suicide point?
For starters, I remind myself that Iāve been at a point that low before and, eventually, it got better. Eventually I climbed out of the hole. Eventually I got myself out of the low point.
I also remind myself of all the people who would miss me - of all the people who would be hurt if I killed myself. My friends, my family - all of them. For me, the one who hits the hardest for me is my cat. I know that might sound dumb to some people - but sheās imprinted on me. I make her whole world go round. She spends every day following me around. She snuggles me every chance she gets. She waits for me at the back door when I come home every day. She would be completely lost without me. She needs me. And anytime I feel low enough to think about suicide I remind myself of her and I remember that she needs me more than I want to hurt myself.Ā
I also reach out for help. For me, that means reaching out to my therapist. I know not everyone has a therapist - so make it whoever helps you when youāre feeling low.
She helps me work through what Iām feeling. She makes me check in every night to let her know Iām safe.Ā
I go through all the reasons Iām thankful that Iām alive. All the small victories that Iāve won over the last week or month or year. I keep a list of these things for that specific purpose. Because when Iām feeling that low itās not always easy to remember the good - so I write them down every day so that I can look on them when I need them.
I also, if itās really bad, go to a hospital program. Some people see that as giving up but I see that as doing what I need to do to take care of myself.
Please think about all the people who would miss you. About the things you would miss. Iād miss cupcake batter. And my kitten. And reading good books on rainy afternoons. And Christmas festivities with my family. And traveling with my two best friends. And really good glasses of wine.
It doesnāt matter if other people think theyāre dumb reasons to live - whatever makes you happy, whatever you look forward to is worth living for.
Iām here. Please reach out.Ā
Here are the crisis hotlines to call, as well. Thereās nothing wrong with reaching out for help - itās one of the bravest things you can do. And you can do it.
Algeria 0021 3983 2000 58
Argentina (054-011) 4758 2554
Bolivia 00 591 4 4 25 42 42
Colombia (00 57 5) 372 27 27
Honduras (00 504) 2558 08 08
Hong Kong 2389 2222 /2382 0000
Japan +81 (0) 3 5286 9090
Malaysia (063) 928 500 39
Mauritius 46 48 889 Befrienders
Netherlands 0900-113 0 113
Papua New Guinea 675 326 0011 (Daytime)
Philippines (02) 8969191 /893 7606
Poland 52 70 000 /52 70 988
Portugal (+351) 225 50 60 70
Russia 007 (8202) 577-577
South Africa 0861 322 322
South Korea (02) 715 8600
Sri Lanka 011 057 2222662
St. Vincent (784) 456 1044
Trinidad & Tobago (868) 645 2800
Followers, if you have a number to add please do so in the comments.