Episode 415: “Suicide Prevention: Why Do You Stay Another Day?”

When the pandemic altered nearly every part of daily life, we wondered what it would mean for those struggling, for those currently fighting to stay alive. A mental health crisis already existed and the pandemic only made it more glaringly obvious. The collective trauma and loss nearly doubled the number of people having thoughts of suicide and experiencing depression compared to previous years.   One bright spot, a moment of tragic optimism, is that this shared experience made talking about mental health almost a normal part of everyday life. We were surprised to see moments where the polite, “How are you?” was not expected to be met with an unassuming “fine.”   Over the course of the next few episodes, in honor of TWLOHA’s Another Day With You campaign and World Suicide Prevention Day—which is this Friday, September 10th, we’re using this space to have conversations that challenge the lie that says we can’t or shouldn’t talk about suicide. We want to share real-life experiences as they relate to suicide attempts, loss, and ideation.    For today’s episode, instead of a one-on-one interview, we’re doing something a little different. We’ve invited an array of voices to share some heartfelt responses to some questions: 1. Who or what has helped you stay another day? And 2. What would you say to someone who is finding it difficult to stay another day? Their responses are honest and unique, but there is often, and perhaps unsurprisingly, a common occurrence of hope. If some responses don’t resonate with you, that’s OK. Because our desire is for even just one message, one encouragement you hear to inspire you or someone you care about, to stay for another day.  Show Notes (Links of ours and guests):   Download a transcript of this episode at twloha.com/podcast.   Follow TWLOHA on social media at: twitter.com/TWLOHA instagram.com/twloha/ facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms/   Visit our FIND HELP page of mental health resources at twloha.com/find-help/.   Get connected for free, 24/7 to a trained crisis counselor via Crisis Text Line by texting TWLOHA to 741741.   Connect with our team by emailing [email protected].   Learn more about the podcast and previous episodes at twloha.com/podcast.   Learn more about the Another Day With You campaign at twloha.com/wspd.     Visit store.twloha.com/ to purchase merchandise that supports TWLOHA’s mission.   Download The Hopeful, a free daily-use self-care app from TWLOHA, at twloha.com/thehopeful/.   Credits:   This episode of the TWLOHA podcast was hosted by Chad Moses and produced by Rebecca Ebert. Music assistance was provided by James Likeness and Ben Tichenor.