How Not to Kill Yourself
By Hayden Hudiburg
It’s an unusual title for an article, isn’t it? Some people might read it and second-guess themselves, feeling momentarily confused before realizing that the only mistake was doubting their own judgment. Not everyone will look twice, though; some will understand the importance and meaning as soon as they see the words: suicide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 720,000 people take their own lives every year, making suicide the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. So, how can we help prevent it? The short answer is hope. A person who believes that things can improve—that they can achieve their goals and find happiness—will not take their own life. But how do we help people believe that hope exists?
Be Optimistic, But Also Realistic
Pessimism, in one way or another, has taken more lives than those lost in the First World War. That said, no one appreciates unrealistic optimism, especially when there’s no evidence to back it up. For example, if your house catches on fire and you refuse to call the fire department because you’re “certain” it’s going to rain on a cloudless day, that’s not optimism; it’s ignorance. On the other extreme, a pessimistic stance would be refusing to call because you “doubt” the fire department will respond. This is where realistic optimism comes in. Realistic optimism is about believing in a positive outcome as long as it’s possible while understanding that you may not get what you’re hoping for. This approach inspires hope while also cushioning the disappointments we all encounter at times.
Confidence in Change Through Action
Nothing builds hope like having confidence in your ability to bring about positive change. The more examples you create for yourself that show life can improve, the more you’ll believe it. This will encourage you to keep going when times get tough because you’ll have evidence that life can be shaped in your favor, even if your mind tries to convince you otherwise.
The Body Will Tell You There’s a Problem; the Mind Will Tell You How to Fix It—But Only One Is Honest All the Time
People suffering from depression often feel a heavy emptiness in their chest. This is your body alerting you to an issue. One the mind will try to fix. The problem is the mind can be flawed— the fact some of you had to double-check the title is proof of this. The mind can convince you it knows the solution to whatever obstacle you’re facing, whether it truly does or not—and that’s assuming it doesn’t gaslight you into thinking there isn’t a solution at all. For instance, if you struggle with dating and lack confidence, your mind may tell you that you’re unattractive and that no one will ever love you, as if it’s a universal law written by a god who specifically hates you. The truth is, it’s just an opinion created out of pain and insecurity. We fear that no one will ever love us, even though the very fact that your genes have been carried on this long proves otherwise. That fear is what creates the negativity within us, and that fear must be stomped out.
Conclusion
Life is hard and far from perfect, but change is a constant, and there are more possibilities than our self-destructive minds can see. So please don’t give up on life, no matter how you feel, because there are no rules that guarantee your misery—at least none that are written by anyone but you.
About Hayden
Hayden is a local writer and editor whose path has led him on a journey of discovery and exploration. He is currently working on his debut book series and is an ex-amateur MMA fighter.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, immediate help is available:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 to connect 24/7 with trained counselors offering free, confidential support for mental health crises and suicide prevention across the United States.
Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans, active service members, and their loved ones can call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online for specialized support.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor available 24/7 for support via text message.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 for confidential assistance related to domestic violence situations.
These resources are designed to provide immediate assistance and connect individuals with local services for ongoing support. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is available.