Post by @lynnekikie

Before September ends, I want to say something that I wish someone had said to me during some of my darkest moments. I’ve been there more times than I’d like to acknowledge. I’ve had moments where the pain felt so overwhelming that I genuinely questioned how much longer I could keep going. Moments where I didn’t want advice, encouragement, or someone telling me that things would get better. I just wanted the pain to stop. So when I say I understand, I really mean it. I know what it feels like to smile, post, laugh, talk to people and carry on like everything is fine while quietly fighting battles nobody knows about. I know what it feels like to be exhausted from pretending you’re okay, to feel hopeless, and to wonder whether things would be easier if you simply weren’t here. But I’m still here. And if you’re reading this while fighting a battle nobody knows about, please stay. You don’t have to figure out your whole life today. You don’t have to be strong every day. You just have to make it through this moment. Tell someone. Call someone. Sit with someone you trust. Say, “I’m not okay.” You don’t have to have the right words. You don’t have to explain everything. Just let someone know that you need them. And if someone you love seems different lately, please check on them. Really check on them. Ask the difficult question. Listen without judgment. Sometimes knowing that someone cares can make a difference. I’m grateful I stayed through the moments I thought I couldn’t. Before September ends, please choose to stay too. Your story is not over. 🤍🫂 #suicideprevention #awareness #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #suicidepreventionmonth