80% of people who attempt suicide tell someone first.
That means we failed 80% of people that attempt suicide. 80% is way too many. 80% is sobering. 80% proves it’s not “attention seeking,” but a desperate cry for help that could save lives.
So what can we do?
Once someone shares their suicidal thoughts they are 27% less likely to act on them. Immediately. One conversation. Less than ten minutes.
Because of the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, those suffering have a difficult time asking for help. They may feel ashamed, embarrassed and afraid. If and when they finally build up the courage to talk to someone about their ideations, they are not heard.
The absolute least you could possibly do is listen. Please, talk about suicide. Ask your loved ones and friends directly. Are you suicidal? And then just listen. You could save a life.
DQ
The Dopamine Queen 
“Are you suicidal?” Sometimes is needed for me…
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Asking directly is difficult but powerful. You’re never alone ❤️
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Thanks! Are you on any other social media?
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https://www.instagram.com/thedopaminequeen/
https://m.facebook.com/thedopaminequeen/
https://mobile.twitter.com/dopamine__queen
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Thanks ! I will search for you on Twitter
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My former roommate, an addict, told me very matter of factly that he would one day kill himself. I talked with him as best I knew how (as you know, I have some experience in the subject); reached out to his estranged wife, we got him help, etc. Not long after, I found his body in our house. He arranged it so I’d find him as soon as I woke up that morning and came out of my room.
Sometimes, I think people are just determined to go – I still blame myself sometimes, though. What if I’d spoken to him that night? I hadn’t – I was in my room, tired, not in the mood to deal with him drunk and high yet again. I’ll never know. But I do think he meant what he said – he wanted out, and after years of therapy and rehab that he thought was bullshit refused to let work for him, and friends who loved him, that’s what he chose.
Me, I chose the opposite now. That’s why I’m still here – and after losing a child, I had every reason to want to die. I make it simple for my friends – I say “take me to the hospital”. It’s been a few years now since I’ve needed to do that, thank goodness.
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I’m so sorry for what you went through. Although I’m asking for people to reach out in this post, that in no way makes someone’s life anyone else’s responsibility. You tried to let them know they could reach out to you, that you were OK talking about these difficult topics. Please try to be gentle with yourself. It works both ways, not everyone can hear you. ❤️❤️ Thank you for sharing this story. It gave me an outside look into this topic that I hadn’t considered.
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Amazing insight as this is true….Check out a post I did called MAKE A PACT WITH A STRANGER :The sketches of depression
https://wp.me/p4YnZh-4L
Here is the link.
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Great post, thanks for linking!
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Addiction–my stigma– is similar, and it is also a mental health issue as well. We cannot be silent. Helping others through listening or actively participating in their process is also an important factor in our own recovery and struggles. Thanks again, DQ, for sharing.
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I agree, substance abuse disorders and mental illness are so similar because of the stigma. I hear you, you’re not alone ❤️
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Reaching out on both sides is crucial. I made a promise to my husband if I felt like self-harming or had suicidal thoughts, to tell him. It was hard to do in the beginning, but it got easier with time. Now, I very rarely feel like self-harming and my suicidal thoughts aren’t as consuming.
If you struggle with these things, sometimes we need to just pick ONE person who we can trust, and tell them about it even if it is hard to face.
Thank you for putting a much needed light on this topic.
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I 💜 this post. Well said.
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Thank you!
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As always, a sincere appreciation for your thoughtful and sensitive writings on these difficult issues.
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Good on you for caring about the real issues
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Good advice. Will definitely follow. Shareing with rhem my suicide attempts will help too I’m sure.
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Thank you for this post. I’ve struggled with my own issues but you prompted me to to listen to things my sister has been saying over the last few months. I need to acknowledge that I hear her.
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“Are you suicidal?” Is my new pick up line now…
Jokes aside I completely agree with you.
I just casually talked about my suicidal thoughts with my mother yesterday and I feel a little more lighter…is that the word?
I came pretty close to an attempt a week ago when our maid left the kitchen knife on my nightstand.
My mind was telling me to just do it already and I almost cut my veins… damn that was close.
I have no idea why I have these thoughts to be honest… but eh, I feel like they will just remain thoughts for a while longer..
FunFact: My mom told me she also had suicidal thoughts for years.
I lied to her and said that my thoughts are past tense so there is that.
I still feel a little better tho.
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I’m glad you opened up about it even if you didn’t give all the correct information, and that it made you feel better. Please continue to talk, those intrusive thoughts are the worst and can be very scary. I’m happy to talk anytime if you need. ❤️
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Wise words! I figure you are back from vacation. Did you have some fun?
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My son has often spoken of suicide. I don’t think he would ever act on it…formerly. Instead, he is putting a bottle to his head and pulling the trigger. One day, he will drink himself to death.
One thing I learned is that some people who are suicidal seek help. They seemed to be doing well, and everyone relaxes. That is the most dangerous time for a mentally ill person. They are clean and sober and looking forward to living again, and then…they kill themselves.
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Short and powerful post. Really key message of listening and asking those questions.
The simplicity of it carries the message- you could save a life.
My post on suicide is almost ready to go- may I link to yours when i publish?
Many thanks,
Spence.
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Absolute, thanks!
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This world need more people like you who can raise awareness about this topic which majority of people feel shy and embarrassed talking about!
Such a powerful blog!
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Ask and ask more than once and please listen with love. Thank you for speaking out about this. We need to make it ok to talk about suicide and depression.
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