Finding Hope When You Feel Like You Can’t Go On: Crisis & Lifelines

The Slide Into Crisis

Everyone starts believing it will never happen to them.

From childlike innocence and zest for life, to the ambitions and dreams we develop, we all start with the inability to relate to wanting life to end, let alone acting on it.

But somewhere along the way, we experience things like suffering, trauma and pain. Whether it is tragedy, or just the process of aging into the overwhelm and exhaustion that life can bring, we find ourselves feeling burned out, powerless to change things in our lives, or even hopeless.

It is in this place without hope that we go from a person who would "never do that," to feeling like "I just can't do this anymore"... perhaps even to battling thoughts of suicide.

We know it is not only happening, but growing- everywhere.

Global statistics show someone dies by suicide every 43 seconds- which is 740,000 deaths annually. And the number of attempts each year is even higher.

Still, when we begin the downward spiral, it may be hard to recognize it, and it can look different on the outside (or not be outwardly shown). But inside, there may be feelings of numbness, anger, or sadness which become overwhelming. We may or may not have a diagnosis like depression or anxiety, but we still may experience them.

At some point, the thoughts of ending our life can enter in.

It's also hard to be honest with ourselves (we deny, minimize or ignore), and even harder to be honest with other people. The fear of judgment, the stigma, or the potential repercussions of opening up might be holding you back. You might feel that no one is safe to confide in, leaving you isolated in your pain.​

At some point, the journey of life may feel insurmountable. And we need to recognize this is actually a very common, and very dangerous, human experience.

Reaching Out Before the Crisis Peaks

The suicidal progression is:

1. Thinking about it

2. Contemplation of the idea

3. It becomes an actual possibility

4. It is a potential solution

5. It is our only way out/option

Entertaining suicidal thoughts may lead to either ongoing planning, or only acted on impulsively. But studies show the acute crisis period where suicide is attempted is often only minutes or hours long. While the struggle may be ongoing, few periods of acute crisis last more than a full day.

In this time frame (speaking from personal experience of my own attempts), you are not in your right mind.

During one of my attempts, my entire body was shaking uncontrollably, my heart was pounding (to the point of hearing it in my ears), and I was vomiting in distress at my suicide site. Although my mind was disconnected, set on what I was going to do to end my pain, it was like my body, in a very primal survival way, knew- and didn't want to die. I was out of my own mind.

What we do before this intense, brief crisis is critical.

Because in moments of intense suicidal distress, our ability to make clear decisions diminishes, and the risk of irreversible actions increases. It's crucial to understand that help is within your grasp, and it's best to seek it before reaching a full-blown place where suicide attempts are made.

Now, before you are inches or moments from suicide, is the time to grab hold of the lifelines available to you.​

Remember, you are worth whatever it takes to stay alive: any and all time, money, effort, or other resources invested in your safety and healing. Your life is precious, and there is hope and help beyond this pain.

Your Lifelines & Healing Supports

Whether you are in or near crisis, or just realizing that you need to make changes in the low place you find yourself, here are some tangible, practical steps that can help:

1. Access Immediate Support

If you're in crisis or need someone to talk to, immediate help is available, and it was created for you and for this moment:​

• Call or Text 988:

  The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24/7. By calling or texting 988, you'll be connected to trained counselors who can provide emotional support and resources. ​

• Seek Local Crisis Services or go to In-Person Facilities:

  Search online for "behavioral health urgent care," "mental health crisis services," or "acute mental health services" and include "near me." You can get the help equipped to provide immediate, in-person assistance.​

  
  

  [For my friends here in Colorado: contact Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255. They offer immediate support for mental health, substance use, or emotional crises.]

2. Establish Long-Term Support

Beyond immediate crisis intervention, setting up ongoing support is vital:. Remember, this is the window to prevent the slide into crisis.

• Find a Therapist/Counselor that it a good fit, that you can afford:

  Here is an easy and quick way to do it! Visit the Psychology Today website and click on "Find a Therapist."

  
  

  Or click HERE

  
  

  Enter your city / state, then use filters to narrow down options based on insurance, price, and specialties. Simply begin making calls and leave messages for those that interest you to see where you can get in.

  
  

  If a therapist isn't the right fit, keep searching. Your healing journey deserves your persistence! I repeat:

You are worth whatever it takes to stay alive: any and all time, money, effort, or other resources invested in your safety and healing. Your life is precious, and there is hope and help beyond this pain.

3. Develop a Personalized Self-Care Plan (this is prevention!)

Self-care isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. It's about engaging in activities that uplift your spirit and nurture your well-being.​.. and ultimately make life livable, and even enjoyable. So take a couple minutes, give yourself a little thought, and write a few things down to implement.

• Identify Mood Elevators:

  Reflect on what helps uplift your mood, body, and mind. This could include prayer, journaling, walking in nature, or listening to uplifting music.​

  
  

  Ask yourself: what has helped before? Include the things you love to do and the things you may not, but are a "yes" to helping you.

• List Safe Support Contacts:

  Who do you trust that can reach out to when you are very low and struggling? Someone that feels safe to you. It helps you both to tell them about some of your struggles (including any thoughts of suicide) ahead of time and get their agreement to be available. This way, when you reach out to them, they can provide you the best, informed support.

• Write it down:

  By creating this plan, it not only helps you to actually complete fully it (so it's there before you need it), it also serves as a tangible reminder of help and hope. It will also be easily accessible when things start to get dark.

Final Encouragement

Dear friend, your pain is valid, and your struggles are seen. In the human experience, we will navigate pain, suffering, and overwhelm. But it need not take us out.

I want you to know that healing, hope and an abundant life are still possible for you (yes, you!). And you are not alone on this journey.​

Take the first step today. Reach out, seek support, and embrace the path toward healing. Your life matters, and your story isn't over yet.

With you,

Rachel

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