Echoing Hope: Navigating Life's Challenges Together

It’s September, and as a psychologist, I can’t help but think about “Yellow September,” the month of suicide awareness and prevention. It brings back memories of my teenage years, a time when I felt completely out of place. I put on a facade of “strength” to hide the wounds I carried. When I tried to express myself to my friends, I was labeled as over the top or the butt of the typical jokes. Socially, I felt like an outsider, not the best friend, and as a young black woman, I certainly didn’t feel wanted. The “emo” phase was my way of connecting with music that spoke of pain. Many nights, I found myself crying myself to sleep, wishing I simply didn’t exist.

Most of my friends and family don’t know this to this day, and they’re probably going to find out now, just like you. However, my faith has sustained me, giving me hope for tomorrow. Also, the desire to go to college and “make something of myself” has been my anchor. I often say that I don’t know why I chose psychology, but it really did choose me. Thank God, my story isn’t over yet; here I am with you today.

However, many people today face active thoughts of ending their journey in this world. Suicide does not come out of nowhere; it begins with thoughts such as “I wish I were invisible,” “I could go to sleep and never wake up,” “I wish I could just disappear from this world,” and over time, these thoughts grow and become stronger.

Don’t belittle or dismiss as drama those who show signs such as social isolation, loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, and other indicators. Look at those around you with kindness and love. We all struggle with internal battles, and it’s easy to get lost in our own challenges. But together we are stronger. When I look at others, they are looking at me too. Let’s be a source of resilience for each other. If you are struggling with thoughts of death, know that you are not alone. Seek help by calling the following numbers: in Brazil, dial 188 for CVV (Centro de Valorização da Vida); in the United States, call 988 for the National Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline.