2025 Guide: What Suicide Survivors Want You to Understand About Their Journey

If you or someone you care about is facing suicidal thoughts, immediate help is available.
Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit 988Lifeline.org to chat.

Suicide remains a deeply challenging topic, often avoided despite being a leading cause of death. In the United States alone, over 44,000 lives are lost annually to suicide. It ranks as the third leading cause of death among children aged 10 to 14 and the second among individuals aged 15 to 34.

Understanding suicide is crucial to offering effective support. Open conversations can save lives. We reached out to members of our Mental Health Awareness community on Facebook—survivors and those affected by suicide—to share what they wish others knew about their experiences.

Here are their powerful reflections:

“When you feel like a burden to everyone you love, suicide can seem like the only option. It’s not a selfish act from the person’s perspective.”
— Conrad K.

“People often call suicide a coward’s way out, but they don’t realize the depth of pain until they’ve lost someone or faced those dark moments themselves.”
— Hayley L.

“I live with these thoughts daily, but my children give me strength. I choose to take life one step at a time for their sake.”
— Tanya M.

“My brother’s suicide left a permanent wound in my mother’s heart. Understanding his pain helped me see he wasn’t a coward but someone trying to end his suffering.”
— Nancy R.

“It’s not cowardice. The mind of someone struggling with suicidal thoughts is complex and painful. They often just want to escape unbearable pain.”
— Dede J.

“Choosing to end your life is not a cry for attention but an illness. It takes immense courage to battle those instincts and act on such overwhelming feelings.”
— Serena B.

“I never intended to survive my attempt. Inside my mind is a very sad place, and I wish people understood that.”
— Lindsay E.

“Dark thoughts lie and tell you you’re worthless, but you’re not. Faith and small daily steps helped me heal and keep moving forward.”
— Tessa R.

“Sometimes, only one person’s comfort matters. It’s often the silent presence that helps more than words.”
— Roxi P.

“Your life is valuable. Even if things feel unbearable now, they can improve. Don’t give up before giving yourself a chance to heal.”
— Jamie W.

“We often forget the pain our loss causes our loved ones. It’s heartbreaking and not worth the lasting impact on family.”
— Jess A.

“Life can improve. You’re not alone, and many people care. Seek help, find joy in small things, and remember life is worth living.”
— Monica D.

“It doesn’t always get easier, but you grow stronger and better at managing your challenges.”
— Hollyn D.

“Surviving suicide is like uprooting a dandelion with deep roots. The urge may never fully disappear, but you learn to resist it.”
— Amanda L.

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk, call 911 or your local emergency number and stay with them until help arrives.

Note: Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Explore useful articles in Sexual Wellness as of 25-02-2018. The article titled " 2025 Guide: What Suicide Survivors Want You to Understand About Their Journey " offers in-depth analysis and practical advice in the Sexual Wellness field. Each article is carefully crafted by experts to provide maximum value to readers.

The " 2025 Guide: What Suicide Survivors Want You to Understand About Their Journey " article expands your knowledge in Sexual Wellness, keeps you informed about the latest developments, and helps you make well-informed decisions. Each article is based on unique content, ensuring originality and quality.