As we go forward through this pandemic people are showing signs of entering into despair. Since shelter-in-place and the shuttering of businesses, many have lost their jobs. As people can’t earn money and the government continues to make obtaining benefits difficult, being able to have enough food to eat and being able to remain housed becomes uncertain. As more people become sick and die, grief and bereavement become more complex and get more intense.
With life becoming ever more difficult and seemingly dark, it’s hard to have hope. Without hope, we despair. And as we enter into despair, some people start thinking about suicide as an option to end their suffering.
Try to remember the following:
Emotions and feelings aren’t forever. Death is. Feelings and emotions pass even though distressing feelings and emotions feel like they are going to last forever. Try to remember a time when you felt differently and be assured that you can, and likely will, feel differently soon.
You would be missed. Those you leave behind would miss you. They would have to deal with their grief and anguish. They may feel guilt that they weren’t able to help you.
While there is life, there is possibility. You literally have the rest of your life ahead of you. There is so much more you can accomplish.
There is pleasure to experience, so long as you are alive. You will miss out on the chance to experience sights, sounds, and experiences that can enrich and delight you if you are gone.
Pleasurable emotions are as strong as unpleasant ones. You are able to equally experience pleasurable emotions and feelings as strongly as you are able to experience distressing feelings and emotions.
It is especially important that If you are thinking about suicide, talk to someone. Sitting alone with thoughts of suicide just makes them stronger. Try calling a friend or a family member. If you don’t feel you can talk to a friend or family member, call one of the following hotlines where there are people who are trained to help:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)