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James Donaldson on Mental Health – 10 Reasons People Attempt Suicide Even If They Seem ‘OK’
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Arlin Cuncic, MA
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Medically reviewed by Yolanda Renteria, LPCMedically reviewed by Yolanda Renteria, LPC
It’s a common question that people ask when they hear about someone who has attempted or died by suicide. “Why would they do that? They seemed to be doing so well.” The truth is, we don’t always know why.
However, there is often a period of time between the initial crisis and the act of suicide itself. During this time, the individual may appear to be feeling better. At first glance, it may not make sense. Why would someone who is feeling better attempt suicide? However, for people struggling with depression or other mental health disorders, this is a very real phenomenon.
It’s a common misconception that suicide is motivated solely by negative feelings. In reality, many people who attempt suicide do so when they appear to be feeling relief from pain, not when they’re feeling pain itself. So why do people attempt suicide even when they seem to feel better? Let’s take a look.
Crisis Support
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Just because someone appears to be doing well on the outside doesn’t mean they’re feeling better inside. Often, people who are considering suicide will put on a brave face in order to hide their true feelings from the world. Even though they may have found a way to hide their pain, they may still feel the same on the inside.
For some people, the thought of living with that pain for the rest of their lives is too much to bear, and they see suicide as the only way out. So, even if someone seems to be doing better, it’s important to check in with them and ensure they’re OK.
They may believe that their problems are insurmountable
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 4.9% of people aged 18 and older experienced suicidal thoughts in 2020. The rates increase if someone is of two or more races which may reflect dealing with more social turmoil than others. People who experience suicidal ideation often feel hopeless and helpless as a result of believing that nothing will get better.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
The answer may lie in what’s known as the “suicide gesture.” A suicide gesture is an act that is intended to get attention but not necessarily cause death. It’s a way of crying out for help.
Sometimes, people who make suicide gestures are actually hoping to be stopped. They may not be ready to die, but they feel like they can’t go on living and don’t know what else to do to find relief. At times, they may not have been taken seriously when they talked about how they felt or asked for help.
If you’re feeling like this, it’s important to seek help directly. Talking to a therapist or counselor can be a great way to get the help you need without resorting to desperate measures.
They may be afraid of what might happen if they don’t make an attempt
They may be afraid of what other people will think or say if they don’t go through with it, or they may be afraid that they’ll never have the courage to try again. Sometimes, people see attempting suicide as a way of showing others how serious they are about dying.
They may have unresolved trauma or dangling loose ends in their life
Some people experience deep shame and guilt over past traumatic experiences, and it seems they can’t escape their wounds or find adequate solutions. Even if they’re no longer in pain, they may still feel like they have no purpose or direction in life.
In a national U.S. survey conducted in 2021 and published in JAMA Psychiatry, it was shown that lower educational attainment and a recent financial crisis were risk factors for suicide attempts. For some people, suicide may seem like the only way to escape their current situation.
Hosted by Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, featuring suicide and abuse survivor Johnny Crowder, shares how to find resources to help you heal from trauma and manage symptoms of a mental health condition. Click below to listen now.
They may feel like others will be better off without them
Even though things may have seemed better for a while, they feel like there’s no point in trying anymore because nothing will ever change. They may believe they are a burden to those around them and that everyone would be better off without them. They believe their death is the only way to end their own, as well as their family and friend’s pain and suffering.
They may not have a support system in place to help them through difficult times
When people are feeling suicidal, they often feel like they’re all alone in the world and that no one cares about them. This can be especially true for those who have previously attempted suicide. If you don’t have anyone to turn to when you’re feeling down, it’s important to reach out to a suicide hotline or other helpful resources.
They may have been holding it together for others.
In addition, they may finally have the strength to attempt suicide after years of holding it together for the sake of others.
They have already decided that they will commit suicide
Someone may have already decided to carry through with suicide but want to make sure they leave things in order before they do. They seem OK because they know relief is coming.
Final Thoughts
If you or someone you know appears to be feeling better after a period of stress, it’s important to be aware that this doesn’t mean that they’re no longer at risk for suicide. In fact, this may actually be a warning sign. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please reach out for help.
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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