For a lot of people, suicide seems so distant from their reality until it’s the reason why someone they love isn’t here anymore. So many people, including teenagers, take their own life after feeling alone and hopeless for so long, long enough that they felt as if they couldn’t take it anymore. No one deserves to feel that way.
I think that in society, a person who opens up and shares the fact that they’re struggling mentally can sometimes receive doubtful responses: ‘You’re just overthinking, it’s not that serious.’ The person may even be told that they’re being selfish. Yet, when the same individual harms themselves, or even worse, takes their own life, people then go on to say, ‘I wish I could have seen the signs, or I wish I could have done something to prevent it.’
When it comes to mental health, we must stand together in solidarity and help those who are struggling with open ears and compassionate hearts. People who are going through challenging times deserve a place where they can share their feelings without feeling judged, ignored, or as if their personal conversations will be shared with judgmental, unkind people.
Remember that you are not a burden, you are a blessing in this world, and if those around you do not see that, they are not worth your time trying to change their minds. We are all in different places regarding our mental health, but everyone deserves to feel loved, appreciated and heard.
— Chloe