Every year during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month I share this photo, because this was one day before I checked myself into the mental hospital! I sat like this for about 3 hours until they came back after running test, dismissing my complaints, and told me to go take it easy!😒
That put me over the edge, no one believed me, not my family, not even the doctors! I went home that night and created a plan to end my life. Now, let me be clear having suicidal thoughts doesn’t mean I don’t believe in God, it also doesn’t make me demonic! Just because you don’t understand why someone would think this way, doesn’t mean you get to demean it!
As I see everyone sharing every awareness month but mental health and suicide doesn’t mean it goes away! You have people right now that are afraid to share their thoughts and how they are feeling because they are afraid of the backlash and the rolled eyes! Guess what….I’M NOT!!!
Yes, I tried to commit suicide, not one but several times! And not one person ask me why? So the next time you see your strong friend, church member, family member, or co-worker who’s starting to slip away…please check on them!!!
And if you are someone who suffers from these thoughts, YOU are not weak, YOU are not playing, YOU are not overreacting. I believe you and will be here for you when you need someone to talk to!!! I’m a mental health advocate not because it sounds good, it’s because I AM MENTAL HEALTH💚
I’m also not brave for sharing my story, I’m have a right to! A right to save my sisters and brothers who are suffering in silence!!
▪️I’m only a phone call, email, DM away!
▪️If you are open to learning more about suicide I will gladly speak with you or your group or class about my experience!!!
Help is available, please seek the help you need! I did💚
Olivia B. Shepherd 