To whom this may concern,
I want you to stay alive. Better yet, I need you stay alive no matter what has occurred in your life. I know what the pain feels like. I know how the pages of life can turn. Right now, you may feel nothing but darkness, and you can’t seem to find the light. You may feel like you want to end it all because you no longer have the strength to fight. You’re just tired of being sick and tired. That doesn’t make you weak.
I know some people don’t understand you. They may have told you to just pray the pain away instead of also seeking help. They may have told you suicide is selfish and how you’re feeling is just all in your head. Well, people tend to forget the brain is one of the most powerful organs we own. If our brain isn’t functioning properly, then we are not functioning properly.
Mental illness can make you feel so alone at times. Some people just don’t understand, but please, don’t give up. I wrote this letter to give you hope to stay alive and to continue fighting.
There was a time I wanted to die, and I nearly lost my fight. I know what it’s like to lay up in a hospital bed close to death. I know how this battle can make you feel like you’re living hell on earth. I thought death would be worth it, but thank God I’m still alive to tell you it’s not. I’m no longer embarrassed to tell people I tried to end my life. Sharing my story can save lives.
Had I died, I wouldn’t know things truly can get better. I wouldn’t have seen recovery. I wouldn’t have the chance to see I have a purpose in this world. When you are so lost in the darkness, suicide will lie to you.
Suicide will tell you it’s no other way out but death. It will tell you nothing will ever get better, but it’s a lie. You do have a choice. Choose life. You can find recovery. Your life is precious. You’re still worthy of love and happiness. Keep fighting! When you feel you can’t hold on any longer, please, remember you absolutely can.
You have the power and will to survive. You are so much stronger than you think. You’re a warrior! Keep living. If no one else believes in you, I do. You will make it. You just have to live to see it happen.
Peace and love,
Jasmin
This letter, written by myself, was recently featured on my advocating page on Facebook, A Fight Worth Finishing. I wanted to spread my message. I recently read on To Write Love On Her Arms‘ page about a campaign called #IKeptLiving. That campaign sort of sparked my need to write this.
Image via Thinkstock.
This post originally appeared on A Fight Worth Finishing.
If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.
If you need support right now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741.
Jasmin Pierre a mental health advocate, speaker, Creator and CEO of The Safe Place app (one of the few existing culturally competent apps available for mental health stigma in the black community), Certified Peer Support Specialist, and author of the self-help book “A Fight Worth Finishing.” She is from New Orleans, Louisiana. Jasmin is constantly fighting for the rights of those battling Mental Health Challenges.
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