Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re reminded that behind the smiles we see every day, there are often silent battles being fought. It’s a day to pause, to reflect, and to remind ourselves—and each other—that no one has to fight these battles alone.
I’ve been there. I know what it feels like to be swallowed by darkness, to believe there’s no way out. I’ve felt the crushing weight of hopelessness, and at my lowest, I attempted to take my own life. It’s a hard thing to admit, but that’s why I’m sharing it with you. Because I’m still here. And if you’re in that dark place right now, I want you to know that you can be, too. There is a way through it. And there are people ready to help you find it. Sometimes, one conversation can make all the difference.
When we hear about the passing of beloved musicians and actors like Robin Williams or Chester Bennington, it hits hard. These are people who seemed to have it all—fame, fortune, talent—yet they were still caught in the grip of deep, invisible pain. It’s a powerful reminder that mental health struggles don’t care who you are. No one is immune.
Think of Kurt Cobain—an icon whose music defined a generation, yet his inner demons won the battle. Or Robin Williams, who made the world laugh while struggling silently with depression. These stories tell us that mental illness is real and it’s relentless, but more importantly, that we need to start talking about it openly.
These public figures are more than tragic stories—they are reminders that anyone can be struggling. And when we lose them, it’s heartbreaking, but it also renews the urgency to have these difficult conversations. We need to ask ourselves: How many more lives could we save if we spoke up earlier?
Awareness is power. By spreading awareness, we give people permission to speak up about their struggles. We help dismantle the stigma that keeps so many from seeking help. We let people know that it’s okay to not be okay.
It’s easy to feel alone when you’re struggling with mental health. But when we shine a light on these issues, we show that mental illness is not something to be ashamed of. It’s something to confront, to talk about, and to get help for.
What can you do? The most powerful thing is often the simplest—listen. Be there for your friends and loved ones. Check in with people, even the ones who seem like they’ve got it all together. Sometimes, the strongest people on the outside are the ones struggling the most on the inside.
If you’re struggling, there are resources that can help. Just knowing someone is there, ready to listen, can be life-saving. Again, one conversation can make all the difference.
Remember, suicide prevention is not just a day—it’s every day. This is a conversation that needs to keep going. Let’s not wait for another tragedy to spark these discussions. Let’s keep talking, sharing, and supporting each other now. Because you matter. Your life matters. And if you don’t believe that right now, I hope you’ll reach out to someone who can help you see it.
It’s not just about preventing death—it’s about nurturing life. It’s about giving people the tools to survive and thrive, even when their world feels like it’s collapsing.
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Helplines:
U.S.:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or Text 988 (Free 24/7)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (Free 24/7)
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255
UK:
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (Free 24/7 helpline)
Papyrus (for young people): Call 0800 068 4141 / Text 07860 039967
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men): Call 0800 58 58 58
Luxembourg:
SOS Détresse: Call 45 45 45 (24/7 support)
Kanner-Jugendtelefon (for youth): Call 116 111
Netherlands:
113 Zelfmoordpreventie: Call 113 or 0800-0113 (24/7)
Ireland:
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (Free 24/7 helpline)
France:
SOS Suicide: Call 01 45 39 40 00
Suicide Écoute: Call 01 45 39 40 00
Germany:
Telefonseelsorge: Call 0800 111 0 111 / 0800 111 0 222
Belgium:
Zelfmoordlijn: Call 1813
Switzerland:
Die Dargebotene Hand: Call 143
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Final Thought
This is not just another blog post. This is a lifeline. If you’re reading this and struggling, or if you know someone who might be, take that step—reach out, talk, listen. One conversation could make all the difference.
cathy@boom.lu
I am always just a screen away,
Thank you!
reflections of an unquiet mind 