I had a call yesterday from someone who considers me a member of their ‘wise council’ to talk about their suicidal thoughts. Timely (and super useful) the link to this article would show up today. Thanks. 🙏🏽
Todd: what a powerful article. Thank you for sharing. Your humanness and your work continues to fascinate and floor me. Am sharing the article where I can 💛
I so appreciate that you ended this article with evidence of the strength and resilience that can come post-attempt. I think this really helps dispel the stigma of having been in this mentally vulnerable place. I needed to see this today.
I've been thinking that sometimes reporting suicidal thoughts can actually make things worse. Sometimes they are just thoughts (and not plans, as you point out), but an overreaction can be damaging. Several weeks ago, when I answered honestly in the affirmative about having these thoughts on a routine survey before therapy, the entire therapy session became about THAT and creating a safety plan and checking my social network, etc. Perceptions of thwarted belonging aren't made better by asking the person who they can call for help--possibly leading to more thoughts of "no one" or "I don't want to burden that person with my drama." I would never want to discourage someone from reaching out for help, but I can understand why they wouldn't.
De-stigmatizing the whole experience is important. Thank you for sharing an example of how you made it through this.
I had a call yesterday from someone who considers me a member of their ‘wise council’ to talk about their suicidal thoughts. Timely (and super useful) the link to this article would show up today. Thanks. 🙏🏽
I love that someone has you in their council. Wise person.
Todd: what a powerful article. Thank you for sharing. Your humanness and your work continues to fascinate and floor me. Am sharing the article where I can 💛
thanks Lesli!! It helps to know few are feeling something that others aren't.
I so appreciate that you ended this article with evidence of the strength and resilience that can come post-attempt. I think this really helps dispel the stigma of having been in this mentally vulnerable place. I needed to see this today.
I've been thinking that sometimes reporting suicidal thoughts can actually make things worse. Sometimes they are just thoughts (and not plans, as you point out), but an overreaction can be damaging. Several weeks ago, when I answered honestly in the affirmative about having these thoughts on a routine survey before therapy, the entire therapy session became about THAT and creating a safety plan and checking my social network, etc. Perceptions of thwarted belonging aren't made better by asking the person who they can call for help--possibly leading to more thoughts of "no one" or "I don't want to burden that person with my drama." I would never want to discourage someone from reaching out for help, but I can understand why they wouldn't.
De-stigmatizing the whole experience is important. Thank you for sharing an example of how you made it through this.
Thanks Heidi. And I hope you tell or told your therapist this.
Thwarted Belonging, Perceived Burden and Pain Tolerance.