Two big issues, of the many, that still exist in the space of suicide prevention are: 1) We rarely talk abt it in the FIRST-PERSON, & instead discuss so often, what signs & symptoms to look out for in others. 2) Bc of the first, we don’t normalize the additional self-critical thoughts one often has, along WITH the self-harm error messages, which make experiencing them that much more overwhelming & hard to fight off.
When I experienced my major ideations that sent me to the hospital, it was the first time I’d ever had them that strong. Some/all of the thoughts listed on this first slide came into my mind. Yes that error message of self-harm came over me…but I was also evaluating myself – the why, the how, what must be wrong w me that’s irreparable, while I was having the ideations.
Having spoken & worked w suicide attempt survivors now the past 5 yrs, from all over the globe, these are the common thoughts that arise. It leads to the graph you can see on the 3rd slide➡️ – IN the moment, bc you feel so broken, you question your sanity, which only strengthens the ideations & makes them HARDER to fight off (even more dysregulated nervous system response).
And here’s the thing – NONE of them SHOULD have to be thoughts that “add to our load” as we are feeling the error messages – bc, YES, these feelings are so common, no you’re not a forever damaged human, & if you can weather the storm, the light in the tunnel does in fact come back.
We share this tool a lot in this month (& throughout the yr) but it’s why we developed the L.I.F.E. Saver video & posters. We talk abt: Fire Safety Plans in schools & offices all over the world, when only .03% of the population ever catches on fire. Meanwhile, 5-10% of the population has major ideations each yr (100s of millions of ppl) & we don’t talk abt the commonality of them, & give ppl a positive plan if they are to arise?
It’s time open discussions on this topic, & positive plans, became universal arnd the globe. Think abt how many lives we would save. Please continue to share.