Lady Leshurr, UK singer, Posts Photo in the Hospital After a Suicide Attempt

When we talk about suicide attempts, the conversation is often about our emotions before or after the attempt, the mental health components — like what type of treatment we found helpful or what kind of support helped us heal — or how it impacted us. These are all important discussions to have, but there’s one component that’s often missing: The physical side of an attempt and the immediate emergency room visit that sometimes follows.

On Thursday, U.K. singer and rapper Lady Leshurr shared a photo on Instagram of herself in the hospital following a suicide attempt two years ago. She’s getting what looks like an EKG, a test that shows the electrical activity of your heart. It gives doctors a better look at how your heart is beating.

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This will be the only time I write in small on here. Two years ago today at this exact time I tried to end it all. I am not saying this for sympathy or 2 receive loads of positive messages because this was 2 years ago. I am a different person now. I am telling u bcus I’m 1 of the realest ppl in this music ting believe it or not, & u guys basically know 90% of my life as it is. I never hold back & I express mainly 2 remain sane & HUMAN in this industry as a lot of ppl do not know who they are due to always having to sustain this image/facade they deem as “cool” or “gangsta.” I am none of those things. I’m just a girl from brum who had a dream, & when I finally started living that dream out, alot of bad ppl were drawn to me that would eventually ruin & break me down mentally & emotionally causing me to think the only way to happiness now is death. My reason to tell u this is bcus I know I am not the only 1. I know ppl go through this ish everyday, suffering in silence, don’t have a shoulder to lean on or an ear to speak to. Don’t know how 2 express, anxiety exploding in their chest & the only ppl around u are the type to say “calm down, you’re overacting – it’s just a phase. I know ppl have thought about ending everything due to how they’re feeling in the moment. 1 thing I learnt from it all is it will make us stronger in the long run & build who we are today. Only people that have experienced this feeling will actually know how difficult & frustrating life can be wen u are petrified to leave your house due to fear.. Room full of ppl & still feel alone? Understand. I write this for whoever’s reading & can relate. I’m opening youth clubs for kids that suffer with mental health issues cus a change is needed. I have a voice & I MUST use it. This is more than music. This is Life. Even if this topic seems uncomfortable for most, I ALWAYS stand by what I believe in. I’m probably the only artist that will break this down to you like this & feel no way. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I let ppl in. Life is about giving, loving, FEELING. Don’t be afraid, communication is VITAL. Anxiety & Depression exists. Let’s stop shying away from these subjects & help our ppl. Love ❤️✨

A post shared by Lady Leshurr (@imladyleshurr) on Jun 20, 2018 at 1:20pm PDT

In her post, Leshurr wrote that people try to “sustain this image/facade that they deem ‘cool,’” — and that she posted the photo because she knows people struggle with their mental health every day.

I know ppl go through this ish everyday, suffering in silence, don’t have a shoulder to lean on or an ear to speak to. Don’t know how 2 express, anxiety exploding in their chest & the only ppl around u are the type to say “calm down, you’re overacting – it’s just a phase… Only people that have experienced this feeling will actually know how difficult & frustrating life can be.

Even though it’s not often talked about, it’s not uncommon for people to find themselves in the emergency room when they survive a suicide attempt. After such a vulnerable, emotional moment, being in the hospital can make the aftermath of a suicide attempt even more difficult.

“There’s probably someone in your room 24/7,” Christa Marie, a Mighty contributor wrote after her attempt. “That’s a big adjustment. If you need to, turn the other way and pretend they aren’t there. Let out all of your raging emotions. Let your body process what just happened, with or without the help of someone else. Do whatever works best for you.”

You may see multiple doctors, nurses or social workers. Alyse Ruriani, another Mighty contributor, wrote that you need to be extremely honest with whoever comes to evaluate you.

“I was asked if I had a plan, if I had previous attempts/thoughts/hospitalizations, what medications I was taking (if any), any issues going on in my life and other questions to determine my mental state,” Ruriani added.

There’s a lot that will happen after an attempt, and the whirlwind of activity may be overwhelming. We’re proud of Leshurr for showing us a side we don’t often see, and for proving that recovering — both physical and mentally — after a suicide attempt is possible.