No One Truly Wants to Die

It is estimated that there are over 27 million victims of human trafficking in the world today. Statistics state that over 42% of adults and 55% of youth that have been trafficked have attempted suicide at least once. I have heard it said time and time again that suicide is selfish and an easy way out but is it really, I beg to differ. I mean have you ever felt so empty you wanted to let it all go or has the thought crossed your mind that having no life at all is better than the one you have.  Been made to believe that you are only an object and that is how you see yourself as having no value or made to believe that you are a burden to all those around you. No one truly wants to die they just want the pain to end. The brain is designed to protect us but what happens when your brain has been hijacked by pain. It sends you into survival mode, you are trying everything to get the pain to end and escape those feelings. I hope no one who is reading this has felt these things, but I would be willing to bet that at least one person here has. People often wonder how does someone get that lonely and nobody knows? I believe people know but might be too afraid to call it out or scared that they might have to do something about it if they acknowledge it. But what if you could be that one that could help or to see the warning signs. Some things that you can say to be helpful could be:

·       You are not alone

·       I care about you and here to listen

·       I’d like to understand more about what you’re going through; can you tell me more?

·       Is there anything I can do to support you through your struggle?

·       How are you coping with what’s been happening in your life?

Those who are suffering need to know they matter; they have value and a purpose here. They need help understanding what is happening in their head. The brain is flooded with stress, depression, despair, your mind starts to believe the lies it is telling you. If they can get help getting to a point to recognize what is going on in their brain vs what their mind is telling them it might give them a little different perspective to see a glimpse of what is true and what is a lie. Switching their thinking from my brain is telling me to quit to focusing on their mind and remembering who they are deep down, their value and purpose. It can change everything, also remembering this is a mental crisis. Getting to this point cannot be done alone, it takes being willing to be vulnerable enough to speak up and even just admitting I am not ok right now, but I want to be. It is doing the hard work and getting the tools in your toolbelt that will impact on how you understand and handle the pressures life throws at you. If any of these resonate with you, I encourage you to reach out to a trusted friend or organization and have an honest conversation with no judgement. If you are in crisis, you can always call or text 988. There are people who care about you and would be honored to have that chance to talk to you than to never be able to hear your voice again.