op-ed: letter from a suicide survivor: i want you to keep living

To whom this may concern,

Mental illness can make you feel so alone at times. Some people just don’t understand but please don’t give up. I wrote this letter to give you hope to stay alive and to continue fighting.

There was a time I wanted to die…and I nearly lost my fight. I know what it’s like to lay up in a hospital bed close to death. I know how this battle can make you feel like you’re living hell on earth. I thought death would be worth it but thank God I’m still alive to tell you it’s NOT. I’m no longer embarrassed to tell people I tried to commit suicide. Sharing my story can save lives.

Had I died I wouldn’t know that things truly can get better. I wouldn’t have seen recovery. I wouldn’t have the chance to see that I have a purpose in this world. When you are so lost in the darkness suicide will lie to you.

Suicide will tell you it’s no other way out but death. It will tell you nothing will ever get better…but it’s a LIE. You DO have a choice. Choose LIFE. You can find recovery. Your life is precious. You’re still worthy of love and happiness. You’re God’s beautiful creation. KEEP FIGHTING! When you feel you can’t hold on any longer please remember that you absolutely CAN.

You have the power and will to survive. You are so much stronger than you think. You’re a warrior! Keep living. If no one else believes in you I do. You will make it. You just have to live to see it happen.

Peace and Love,
Jasmin

National Suicide Hotline (+18002738255)

*Jasmin Pierre is a 27-year-old mental health activist and author of the new self help book “A Fight Worth Finishing”. She is from New Orleans, Louisiana. Jasmin is constantly fighting for the rights of those suffering from major depressive disorder. She inspires to become a life coach and continue writing to encourage others to never give up.

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