This month, I want to recognize the people fighting a battle that others cannot see or hear. You may go to work, care for your family, smile in photos, and tell people you’re fine. Yet when you’re alone, your thoughts sound different: I don’t have a purpose. Life is too hard. No one understands. Would it be easier if I weren’t here? When you’re in that much pain, those thoughts can sound true. I want you to hear this: those thoughts are not the truth. You are worthy. You are deserving of life, and you do not have to face those thoughts nor emotions alone.

When Your Thoughts Feel Louder Than Hope
Anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health struggles can affect how you see yourself and your future. Pain can narrow your view until it feels as though nothing will change. But a thought, however convincing it feels, does not define your worth or predict what comes next.

As a Christian, I think about the scripture in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to take every thought captive. For me, that means pausing to recognize a painful thought and bringing it before God instead of accepting it as the final word about my life. Prayer can be a source of comfort and strength. Reaching out for mental health care is also a way to seek help. You can pray and call a trusted person. You can turn to Scripture and speak with a therapist.

If you are in crisis, you can call for immediate support. You do not have to choose only one form of care. Having suicidal thoughts does not mean you are weak, “crazy,” or beyond help. It means your pain needs attention and you deserve people beside you as you address it.

Warning Signs We Should Take Seriously
We cannot always tell what someone is experiencing by looking at them. Still, changes in what a person says or does can give us a reason to check in. These may include:

• Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, or having no reason to live
• Saying they feel trapped, in unbearable pain, or like a burden to others
• Pulling away from friends, family, or activities they usually enjoy
• Giving away meaningful belongings
• Significant changes in mood, sleep, or behavior
• Increasing alcohol or drug use

I also want to speak to the person who always seems happy. Being positive is not, by itself, a warning sign. But someone’s smile—or their familiar answer of “I’m fine”—does not tell us everything they are carrying. Make room for an honest answer when you check in. You might say, “I know you’ve said you’re okay, but I care about you. How are you really doing?” If you’re worried that someone may be thinking about suicide, it is okay to ask plainly and gently: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Listen without judgment. Stay with them while you help them connect with support.

If You’re the One Struggling
Please tell someone what is happening, even if you don’t know how to explain it perfectly. You can start with: “I’m having thoughts about suicide, and I need you to stay with me while I get help.” Reach out to a loved one, a therapist, or another person you trust. If your pastor is someone you trust, tell them too. You deserve care from people who will take you seriously and help you get the support you need.

In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide Crisis Lifeline, day or night. If you think you may act on suicidal thoughts soon or cannot keep yourself safe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

One Step at a Time
If this is your battle right now, you do not need to figure out your entire future today. Let the next step be telling someone. Let someone sit with you, make the call with you, or help you get to care. I believe your life has value, even when you cannot feel it. You are allowed to say,“I’m not okay.” You are allowed to ask for help. And you do not have to climb this mountain alone. One step at a time.

Tiffany Ward LMHC, CBT-C
Conquering Mountains Counseling LLC
If you or someone you know is in crisis in the U.S., call or text 988. For immediate danger, call
911.