My dearest #MentalMonday❤️🧠 reader, this month and particularly this week, it’s all about suicide prevention. We skipped the Monday post on purpose, to commemorate suicide prevention day today. One of the leading causes of deaths is suicide, a catastrophe that we can solve by understanding mental health more and accommodating the next person and making them feel seen and heard. How easy it is to judge those who have attempted suicide, practise self harm or have died by suicide.
Today the narrative changes as we take a deeper look into their plight and the storms that brew within them, the wars that they go to with their thoughts and emotions.
We might all want to agree that in the quiet corners of the human experience, there exists a tempest—a storm so fierce that it can obscure the sunniest of days and drown the softest whispers of hope. This internal hurricane, often unrecognized by the outside world, rages within those who contemplate the unfathomable act of suicide. Each thought, each emotion, swirls together in a chaotic dance, creating a song of despair that can feel insurmountable.
For many, if not all of us at one point, the burden of existence can become unbearably heavy, like an anchor dragging them down into an unending dark pit of sorrow. The mind, once a sanctuary of dreams and aspirations, transforms into a prison of sorrow. Here, shadows loom larger than life, and every glimmer of light seems but a fleeting illusion. In this darkened place, the individual may feel isolated, as if they are adrift in a vast ocean, surrounded by waves of anguish that threaten to engulf them.
Often, the storm within is accompanied by a profound silence, a silence that speaks volumes, a silence so loud it is deafening. It is the silence of unexpressed pain, the silence of unasked questions, and the silence of stigma that shrouds mental health. Those in turmoil may wear a mask, smiling through the storm while their hearts ache with unrelenting sorrow. This façade can create a chasm, a void between the individual and the world, leaving them feeling unseen and unheard.
As the storm rages on, thoughts of escape may surface—thoughts that promise release from the agony. The allure of oblivion can be like a siren’s call, seductive and compelling. In these moments, the individual may believe that ending their life is the only way to silence the tempest, to find peace amidst the chaos. Yet, this path is fraught with tragedy, for it not only extinguishes their light but also sends ripples of despair through the lives of those left behind. And in all honesty, are we ever really certain that the peace we seek is there after this life we know and even more when the departure, is of this heart wrenching nature?
Yet, even in the darkest storm, a flicker of hope can emerge. It may come in the form of a kind word, a gentle touch, or the recognition that one is not alone in their suffering. This spark can reignite the flame of resilience, reminding the individual that life, with all its tumult, can also hold moments of beauty and connection. Seeking help, whether through a trusted friend, a therapist, or a support group, can be the lifeline that guides them back to the shores of hope. The question that looms over our heads is; are you my #MentalMonday reader doing your part as an individual who is now knowledgeable on mental health issues?
Healing is not a linear path; it is a winding road marked by both setbacks and triumphs. It requires courage to confront the storm, to acknowledge the pain, and to embrace vulnerability. It is a journey that takes you to places you never thought you would revisit. Places you prefer to have vanished from this life, but we all know, the body remembers traumatic events in sensations and we need to take on this journey to deal with those emotions, clean our wounds, heal them, and move forward with scars serving as memories of what we have conquered. Through therapy, medication, and support, individuals can learn to navigate their inner turbulence, finding healthier ways to cope and rediscovering the joys that life can offer.
Life is a game of tag, and today I tag us as a society, to cultivate an environment of compassion and understanding. By breaking the silence surrounding mental health, we can create spaces where individuals feel safe to share their struggles without fear of judgment. Listening without prejudice, offering support without conditions—these actions can be lifelines for those in need.
The storm within is a complex and often harrowing experience, but it is not something we cannot conquer. It is essential to recognize that even in the depths of despair, there exists the possibility of renewal. By reaching out, seeking help, and fostering a culture of empathy, we can transform the narrative from one of hopelessness to one of resilience and hope. And if you ever found yourself at the crossroads, battled and yet conquered the mere thought of suicide, you are a champion, a warrior, a gladiator and a trailblazer for a lot more who will fight and not be subdued by this storm. In this journey, every life is precious, and every story deserves to be told Because#MentalHealthMatters❤️🧠
Because#Mentalhealthmatters❤🧠 