If You've Ever Felt Suicidal, I Believe You
“When someone so bravely talks about their battle with suicidal thoughts, it's not up for discussion on whether that person is lying or not”
The topic of mental health is an incredibly interesting one. While we often hear that mental health is becoming ‘less of a taboo’ which I personally think is true in some senses, what’s the point of contributing to conversations surrounding it if you’ll just use it against someone in the future. Like many, I recently watched Oprah with Meghan and Harry and I cannot commend Meghan Markle enough for being so open and honest about her struggles with suicidal thoughts. As sad as it is to say, sometimes it takes someone well-known opening up about their own experiences, for others to be more open to listening.
Mind describes suicidal feelings as either “having abstract thoughts about ending your life or feeling that people would be better off without you. Or it can mean thinking about methods of suicide or making clear plans to take your own life.” Whilst it can often feel that we’re alone in our fight, many people do experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their life and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Sadly, less than a mere 12 hours after the interview I was saddened to hear Piers Morgan's comment on not believing Megan when she discussed having suicidal thoughts. When someone so bravely talks about their mental health battle, the credibility of it should never be up for discussion. As someone who knows first hand what it’s like to struggle with suicidal thoughts, I find Pier’s comment to be so detrimental to those of us who will now feel that we really have to prove ourselves to others when we say we’re suicidal which shouldn’t be the case at all. I’m personally unaware of if Piers has ever suffered from suicidal thoughts himself or any form of mental health struggles for that matter, but let me tell you that it’s no laughing matter.
“We have nothing to prove to the people that think we’re just attention-seeking. ”
I remember being in a really bad headspace this time last year after a sudden panic attack that stopped me in my tracks. When I was finally able to catch my breath again after an hour, I’d convinced myself that I’d never feel normal again or live a normal life, so I’d be better off dead. The days that followed were incredibly difficult but soon days turned into weeks and months turned into this very moment right here, where I type these words feeling incredibly grateful to still be fighting. Suicidal thoughts make you miserable, they try to convince you that your loved ones would be better off without you, even when you know it’s the complete opposite. So I can only imagine how this situation has affected not just those who have been affected by suicidal thoughts themselves but also loved ones and those who genuinely care.
If you’ve ever struggled or are struggling, I want you to know that I believe you and so many others do too. We have nothing to prove to the people that think we’re just attention-seeking. You’ve probably heard it lots before but it does get better and there are so many people out there that you both know and don’t know who care for your wellbeing so much. To the Piers Morgans of the world, I hope you never find yourself in a position where you’re crying for help but your credibility comes into play.
If you or someone you know has been affected by this topic, please know help is out there. Resources are available from Mind (0300-123-3393), SANE (1-800-950-6264) and Samaritans (116 123) amongst many others.
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To read more from Vanese you can find her on Instagram at @itsvanesem or read her other recent articles here!