You are significant! (A letter to my suicidal friend)

 


You are significant! (A letter to my suicidal friend)

Dear Friend,

It feels like an eternity since someone genuinely cared about your feelings. Even when they claim to listen, their words of reassurance ring hollow, telling you everything will be fine. You've concealed the shards of glass piercing your heart for far too long. The storm outside mirrors the turmoil within, fuelled by an addiction that makes you question your worth.


An unsettling echo whispers that you're a burden, even to the friend who's carried the weight with you. Life itself seems to lose its value, with a haunting refrain suggesting that your absence would improve the world. Amidst the daily chaos of your parents' fights, you remain invisible, unnoticed.


In the classroom, your thoughts seem to echo in the void of indifference. Despite a lifetime of serving God, your father's eventual passing leaves you questioning, "Why me?" If I haven't quite captured the intricacies of your heartbreak and struggles, I urge you to stay with me as you read on.


You are significant! In the darkest moments, remember, there's a glimmer of hope waiting for you. Though the struggle may feel overwhelming now, tomorrow holds the promise of something better. It's okay if you can't fully fathom why you're fighting this battle; each challenge is a forge shaping your strength.


A cherished book I turn to daily imparts a profound truth: adversity begets endurance, and endurance moulds the character's maturity. I hear you questioning if you've endured enough, hesitant to continue in a seemingly unjust and harsh world. I want to assure you—the world needs you. Deep within you lies something the world's adversaries don't want you to discover, a radiant essence waiting to be tapped into.


You were purposefully created to be a beacon, radiating the light of Christ. Yes, the world has fallen, and you may have been scarred by the cruelty of others or circumstances beyond your control. In your battle, please know, you are not alone.


Cease carrying your burdens in solitude. This Jesus, of whom I speak in reverence, invites you to relinquish all your cares to Him and to trust that He will graciously handle them. No human cares for you as profoundly as He does. In those moments of overwhelming emotions, when His presence is your companion, seize the opportunity to bask in His boundless love. Pour out your heartache to Him, for His compassion knows no bounds.


You are an extraordinary blend of brilliance, humour, intelligence, and courage. Despite facing formidable challenges, you stand resilient, earning my admiration beyond measure. Nurture your mental well-being and unlock the immense potential within you by actively seeking growth and self-discovery.

Wrap yourself in the boundless love of Christ, finding your true worth in His timeless words. Open up to trusted individuals around you, carefully chosen instruments meant to aid you on your journey. Approach life one step at a time, and don't forget to shower yourself with love.


As a persistent voice whispers that the world might be better without you, drown it out by asserting that you hold a wealth of gifts meant to enrich the world. While the journey may seem daunting, resist the lies that urge you to surrender. Always remember, you are significant!


5 free suicide helplines in Nigeria if you or someone you know is at risk:

SURPIN Helpline Nigeria- is a 24-hour helpline giving counselling, support, and referral services for persons facing depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidal thoughts in Nigeria, with counsellors fluent in Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. Call them on tel:080 0078 7746

Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI): This platform offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to young people in Nigeria who are dealing with emotional problems like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, family problems, bereavement, loneliness, relationships, stress, self-harm, suicide, and trauma. They can be found on every social media network.

The Human Development Initiative is a nonprofit organisation that provides all Nigerian residents with compassionate, discreet, and cost-free phone support. They have amiable, sympathetic, and encouraging volunteers. Regardless of age, gender, beliefs, or ethnicity, HDI supports individuals in all these categories. You can reach them on their website, via SMS, or by calling 0808 0551 376.

The Cece Yara 24-Hour Child Helpline is intended for children and teenagers who have experienced sexual abuse. The trained experts who work at the Cece Yara 24-Hour Child Helpline provide information, support, and guidance to help stop or report child sexual abuse in Nigeria. In addition to offering referral services for other parts of the nation, they organise emergency help in Lagos State and Abuja.

Nigerian Suicide Prevention Hotline- For people who are contemplating suicide, Nigeria also has an emergency suicide prevention hotline. They provide 24/7 confidential support and guidance to young people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, along with training programmes for local councils, medical professionals, and school personnel. Additionally, they involve volunteers and communities in suicide prevention initiatives. You can visit their website at https://nigeriasuicideprevention.com/ or call them at +234 806 210 6493, +234 809 210 6493, or +234 809 210 6493.

You can also reach out to me via echoesofsilencebyt@gmail.com

Love,

The Wellness Warrior.

6 comments:

  1. I look forward to this every week🥺, thank you very much for these messages ❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My pleasure. Your messages encourage me. Thank you, Ise

      Delete
  2. This was well written. Welldone ma.🤗

    ReplyDelete
  3. If felt like the message was directly for me; thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete

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