Keep Looking Up: You Are Worth Fighting For
Finding Hope and Help When Life Feels Unbearable
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and I want to take a moment to speak from my heart to anyone who may be struggling silently.
Behind the smiles, the accomplishments, the careers, the families, the ministry, the businesses, and the public appearances, there are people carrying battles that others may know nothing about.
Sometimes the person encouraging everyone else is the one who needs encouragement.
Sometimes the person who looks like they have it all together is barely holding on.
And sometimes, behind a simple "I'm fine," there is a story of pain, disappointment, loneliness, grief, rejection, betrayal, depression, or hopelessness.
I want you to know that you matter. Your life matters. Your story matters.
None of us are exempt from difficult seasons. Having faith does not mean we will never experience pain. Being a child of God does not mean we will never face trouble, disappointment, or moments when we feel overwhelmed.
But our struggles don't have to define us.
And our pain does not have to have the final word.
Please Don't Suffer Alone
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, feeling hopeless, or wondering whether life is worth living, please don't isolate yourself.
Tell someone.
Reach out to a trusted family member, friend, pastor, church leader, counselor, therapist, or other mental-health professional.
You don't have to explain everything perfectly. You can simply say:
"I'm struggling, and I need help."
There is strength in being honest about where you are.
Asking for help isn't weakness. It is wisdom.
If you're connected to a local church, allow trusted believers to walk alongside you. We were never created to carry everything by ourselves.
And please don't be afraid to seek professional help.
Prayer and professional mental-health care can work together. Talking with a therapist or counselor does not mean you lack faith. Sometimes God provides help through people who have been trained and equipped to walk with us through difficult seasons.
What Can You Do When You're Struggling?
If you or someone you love is experiencing depression, hopelessness, or thoughts of suicide, consider these important steps:
- Don't isolate yourself. Get around safe people. Being alone with overwhelming thoughts can make things feel even heavier.
- Tell someone what you're experiencing. Don't minimize your pain or convince yourself that you have to hide it. Let someone know you need support.
- Reach out to a mental-health professional. A licensed therapist, counselor, psychiatrist, or other qualified professional can provide support and treatment.
- Talk with someone you trust spiritually. A pastor, church leader, or mature believer can provide prayer, encouragement, and spiritual support.
- Stay away from anything you could use to hurt yourself. If you are having thoughts of suicide, move to a safer environment and ask someone you trust to stay with you.
- Focus on the next step and not the entire journey. You don't have to solve your whole life today. Sometimes the goal is simply to make it through the next hour, the next conversation, or the next day.
- Stay connected. Keep talking. Keep reaching out. Let people know when you're having a difficult day.
- Pray and be honest with God.
You don't have to use perfect words. Cry. Talk to Him. Tell Him how you feel. Bring your pain to Him and allow others to help you carry it.
If You Are in Crisis, Please Get Help
If you are thinking about suicide, experiencing a mental-health crisis, or feel that you may hurt yourself, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
You can also visit 988lifeline.org for support and resources.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Please don't wait until things become unbearable before reaching out.
To Anyone Who Feels Like Giving Up
I know life can hurt.
I know circumstances can become overwhelming.
I know there are prayers that seem unanswered and situations that don't change as quickly as we hoped.
I know there are wounds that nobody sees.
But please don't allow today's pain to convince you that tomorrow isn't worth seeing.
Your circumstances are not your identity.
Your divorce is not your identity.
Your rejection is not your identity.
Your betrayal is not your identity.
Your disappointment is not your identity.
Your mistakes are not your identity.
Your struggle is not your identity.
And your current season is not the end of your story.
The Bible reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
That means your life has value even on the days when you don't feel valuable.
God sees you.
God hears you.
And there are people who care about you.
There are resources available.
There are professionals who can help.
There are people who will sit with you, listen to you, and walk with you.
You don't have to figure everything out today.
Just don't give up.
Let's Check on One Another
One of the greatest things we can do is stop assuming that someone is okay simply because they look okay.
Let's ask, "How are you really doing?"
And then let's be willing to stay long enough to hear the answer.
Let's create spaces where people can be honest about their struggles without shame.
Let's check on our friends.
Let's check on our family.
Let's check on our coworkers and our church family.
And let's remember to check on ourselves, too.
Sometimes we are so busy taking care of everyone else that we don't acknowledge that we need care as well.
If you are struggling, please don't suffer in silence.
Reach out.
Talk to somebody.
Get help.
Pray.
Breathe.
Stay connected.
Take one day at a time.
And remember:
There is still hope.
There is still purpose.
There is still life beyond this moment.
Whatever you're facing today, I want to encourage you to lift your eyes beyond the pain, beyond the circumstances, and beyond what you can see right now, and please Keep Looking Up.
Bulinda Wright
Life and Purpose Coach | Author | Speaker | Podcast Host | Event Planner
Keep Looking Up with B. Wright-Jones, LLC
