PART 1 : RECOGNISING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

Thoughts of Suicide


A lot of people with depression and anxiety experience thoughts of suicide at some point. You often feel like you’re the only one who’s ever felt such pain, but in fact, it’s pretty common. Having thoughts of suicide or wanting to end your life can be very scary, and it can be mentally exhausting trying to battle these thoughts.

The intense emotional pain that you can experience when depressed or really anxious can distort your thinking so it becomes harder to see possible solutions to problems, or to connect with those who can offer support. Suicide might seem like the only way to make the pain stop. It’s not that there aren’t other ways to get relief from depression, but rather that it’s hard to see them when caught in the grips of despair.

Although it might seem as if your pain and unhappiness will never end, it’s important to realize that the pain is usually temporary. Solutions are often found, feelings change, unexpected positive events occur. Therapists, counsellors, or friends or loved ones can help you find ways to tackle thoughts of suicide that otherwise may not be apparent to you. If you’re thinking that recovery is impossible, it’s time to reach out.


I figured something was up with him, but I didn’t know the signs to look for or how to bring it up. One day, he didn’t show up for work and it was a punch to the gut when I heard that he took his life. I’ll never let that happen again. I know the signs now and guys know that I’m in their corner if they ever need me. I’m not afraid to speak up anymore."

Jas, Framer