We need to ask him why

“We need to ask him why he keep saying he is suicidal, is he seeking attention or something?”

“No, we can’t just do that. It may tip him off the edge.”

“What do you mean? It’s like emotional blackmail, he can’t keep saying this so that we do what he wants.”

“If we are wrong, it will be something that cannot be undone. We need to be more careful.”

I didn’t mean to overhear, but they weren’t very discreet.

My heart broke.

I don’t know what the statistics are, but #suicide isn’t something that can be taken lightly.

Yes, there are those who use it as a tool for emotional manipulation.
Like my ex.
It was horrible, and I wish I had called him out on it because I stayed far too long and paid a price.

There are also those who are desperate, and who truly do have suicidal thoughts.
Sharing those thoughts and feelings such as wanting to end their life isn’t an easy thing to do.

Disappointment.
Disbelief.
Scorn.
Rejection.

These are the things they may face if they open up and share their most vulnerable thoughts, because what if…
What if no one cares?

You’re putting yourself out there, saying, “What I am going through is so bad, that it looks like taking my life is the only option that I can see.”

And have someone say, “Oh well. Go ahead then. No one is going to miss you. Besides, I don’t believe you will do it, because you’re just seeking attention.”

How crushing is that?

I immediately go on alert when I hear trigger phrases such as:
I can’t take it anymore.
It’s too hard.
What’s the point?
It doesn’t matter anymore.
I wish I didn’t wake up tomorrow.

I put my judgement in my pocket, and I sit down with them, and ask them more questions about what’s going on.
What’s really going on to make them feel this way.

Calling someone an attention seeker is not very helpful.

I would err on the side of kindness.
#BeKind

It’s something that is in very short supply. 🌹

#MentalHealth
#OnThePeiroll