A Letter to Someone Feeling Suicidal: Please Don't Go

You are loved. You are loved exponentially more than your brain will let you acknowledge in this moment. Please reach out. Do it now. I refuse to let you think you have to struggle in silence. Let this be the voice to fill this silence and encourage you to remember someone loves you. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. I love you. Tell someone immediately. You are worth it. Once you’ve contacted someone, proceed to read this carefully from start to finish while you await their arrival.

Even in this moment: there is still hope. The outlook may appear grim – but, in this finite world, all is temporary. Pain and sorrow included. It will pass. There is a future for you. There is still love to cling to and laughter to experience. Yes – even now. Understand this: I know it’s dark. I know you may feel completely and utterly helpless. I know it’s absolutely horrifying. Your brain is telling you no one could or would ever miss you. That is a lie. Friend, I know this may be one of the lowest points in your life — all too well I know this.

But…that is not all I know. Friend, listen to me. Don’t go.

There is still light – any fraction of which can eradicate darkness in its time. Trust in that. If not now… soon. Light always bursts through the expanse of night. It always does. Find peace in this promise. You are not helpless. No one is. With each second you choose to stay, you are fighting for purpose and continuing to write your beautiful story.

I assure you this terror doesn’t last forever. It comes in waves and in seasons – but, it does and will pass. If you left this earth prematurely, someone would notice, and their heart would shatter. Whether hundreds of people or just one person – your beautiful soul would be missed and the world would not be the same. You matter. You may view yourself as simply one person in this enormous world, but, for at least one person, you are an enormous part of their world. One person is more than enough reason to stay. Stay for you. Stay for them. That person is your living and breathing reminder to push through immense pain. Now, don’t feel guilty – I don’t mean this to evoke guilt, but rather, I just desperately need you to understand how loved you truly are. There is still time. Your heart is beating. That thumping against your chest signifies opportunity and hope, herein lies: your aspirations, fondest memories, your dreams and convictions, passions, tenacious willpower, and the resilience you possess to make it to tomorrow. It is there at the core of your being. Don’t give that up. Please don’t.

This may be your lowest of lows, your deepest sorrow, the most excruciating anguish, or your darkest hour – but: this is not the end for you. Rise up. Break the silence. Use your voice – people are listening. Be reminded of joyous simplicity. There is music to be heard. There are lyrics to learn and etch into our souls. There are books to read and hugs to receive. We have dreams to dream and limits to push. There are expectations to defy and journeys to pave. There are memories left to capture in photos and videos. There are jokes to tell and laughs to create. There are sketches to draw, canvases to paint, and poems to write. There are endless experiences and simple treasures I’d love to share with you. There are infinities left to seize.

Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, male or female – please be reminded of your identity and intrinsic value. You matter. You are unique. You are strong. You are beautiful. You are loved. The world would not be the same without you. You are the author of a story no one else can share. Your story is worth telling. This world needs your story. It needs you. There is light burning within you – do not put out that fire. Ignite the flame. No one else can fill the void you would leave behind. No one else. We are all uniquely, beautifully, and wonderfully made. Even from our pain comes beauty. Friend, you are a wonder of this world. Let us not deprive humanity of its wonders. Let those words keep you going.

I love you. Please reach out. Tell your story. Don’t give up and please – don’t go. 

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.

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Thinkstock photo by Suchota