What does someone who is suicidal look like?

A lot of people imagine someone crying all the time, completely withdrawn, unable to get out of bed or obviously falling apart.

But it doesn’t always look like that.

Sometimes it’s the person laughing with their friends. The person going to work every day. The teenager still going to school. The mom getting everyone where they need to go. The person answering, “I’m fine,” because they don’t know what else to say.

Someone can be hurting deeply and still show up every day.

That’s why we can’t always wait for someone to look like they’re in crisis before we check on them.

Pay attention to changes. Pay attention when someone starts pulling away. Pay attention to hopelessness, giving things away, talking about being a burden or saying things that make you wonder if they’re saying goodbye.

And if something feels off, ask.

You don’t have to be an expert. You don’t have to know exactly what to say.

Sometimes you just have to care enough to notice.

And sometimes the person who looks completely fine is the person who needs someone to ask, “Are you really okay?”

#SuicidePreventionMonth #SuicideAwareness #CheckOnYourPeople #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone