“How do I find a therapist? How do I know we will be a good fit? What if I don’t like them?” The many questions that fill your brain can feel paralyzing and might just stop you in your tracks from making one of the most important and rewarding decisions of your life- seeking help.
Read MoreThere’s really no instruction manual on how to feel or respond to pain… All we can do is learn from other people who are just as human as we are.
Read MoreI don’t know how much longer I can do this. I thought it would be better by now. I thought I’d already found the light at the end of the tunnel. Just kidding, only a series of other tunnels. I really want to give up. I’m not sure if I can do this. Words of a podcast I’d listened to years ago rang true: ‘I don’t want to die but I don’t want to be awake either.’
Read MoreFor all age groups, Montana has ranked in the top five for suicide rates in the nation for the past thirty years. As Montanans we don’t hear about these statistics very often. When I mention this to peers, they are usually surprised to learn that so many Montanans are taking their lives. The next question people always ask me is why are so many people dying by suicide in Montana. It’s important to know the why so that we can start addressing how to change this devastating statistic.
Read MoreMost people associate baby blues and postpartum anxiety and depression with just sobbing on the floor and hyper worrying about your baby. That happens too, but no one ever told me about Postpartum Rage.
Read MoreIt was a Tuesday, the first day after Christmas break. I was in my bedroom listening to music when the commotion of my inconsolable mother, escorted by my brother, came up the back stairs to our house. I ran to meet them, and my brother simply said, "Dad's dead.
Read MoreTwo years ago, we embraced vulnerability and launched a nonprofit organization that we knew needed to exist. We really didn’t know what to expect; all we knew was that we wanted to play a part in changing the world. We had personally dealt with suicide loss and our own battles with mental illness. We knew first hand that the stigma surrounding mental health in Montana is devastating.
Read MoreI clearly remember sitting at the funeral home making arrangements for my sister’s funeral. We had to pick the songs that we would sing, the scripture that would be read, and who the paul bearers would be. I didn’t really care about any of these things as I sat there. I just wanted my parents to make the choices that would bring them comfort
Read MoreFor many years I suffered from depression and bipolar disorder, three years ago I was diagnosed with PTSD, I was at one of the lowest points in my life and didn’t know what to do I even consider suicide as a last resort.
Read MoreFor many, it takes decades to find answers to their mental illness. What none of us should do during that journey is walk alone. It’s taken me a long time to believe those words, but I know the result will be worth the wait.
Read MoreA member of our Suffer Out Loud community recently checked in with the Crisis Text Line for some encouragement and wanted to share her experience.
Read MoreI know it's hard to find people to talk to and relate too. I've been told by many counselors that I will always struggle with that due to what I've gone through. Just know you're not alone! My past does not define me, who I chose to become and continue to strive to be will! I live my life everyday trying to become a better version of who I was yesterday!
Read MoreThere are 10 tips that you will want to consider following to talk a loved one struggling with thoughts of suicide.
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