Your Life Is Beautiful

According the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Agency (SAMHSA), 1.3 million US adults attempted suicide, 2.8 million US adults devised a suicide plan, and 9.8 million had serious thoughts of committing suicide. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States.

There are many factors that can contribute to suicide. These include unemployment, declining physical health, relationship problems, substance use, previous attempts, family history, and mental illness. When a person is struggling with a troubling circumstance they may feel they are alone or do not want to burden their loved ones. Thoughts of ending their life may be an option for them to relinquish their  personal pain.

As a fellow human being, I want to express to you that whatever you are going through, you life is still beautiful. As long as your heart is still beating, you have purpose. You have a gift that can bring value to people. Your tests in life can be a testimony to others who may benefit from learning about how you overcame a problem. You have a skill or ability that is difficult for others, but comes easy to you. There are people ready to receive your gifts. You do not have to feel alone.

Youcan volunteer, join organizations, and find jobs or activities that will highlight your gifts and passions. Serving others can be a way to heal and uplift a person’s mood. Overall, you do matter to people such as family, friends, co-workers, customers, and neighbors. This is why your life is beautiful.

You don’t have to deal with your problems alone. We can combat mental illness and suicide through various means including:

• Seeking a mental health provider for therapy to develop coping skills to address problems.
• Evaluation by a psychiatrist or primary care provider for proper medication management.
• Follow up with professional if need for medication adjustments.
• Keep Employment Assistance Programs and School Counselors in the loop so they can provide resources.

If you are searching for resources please call or visit:

National Suicide Hotline : 1-800-273-8255

Self-Harm Hotline: 1-800-366-8288

Bullying Hotline: 1-800-420-1479

https://suicidology.org/

https://www.activeminds.org/

https://www.nami.org/

Author

Dr. Ifeanyi Olele Ifeanyi Olele, DO, MBA, MS, is a board-certified psychiatrist who sees adolescent and adult patients in the greater Washington DC metropolitan area at Genesis Psychiatric Solutions. Dr. Olele is a dedicated psychiatrist in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma-related stress disorders, and attention deficit disorders. Dr. Ifeanyi Olele is one of the few psychiatrists who utilizes psychotherapy (talk therapy) as part of his treatment plan.