Dr. Robin Engelman

I am actively working on not avoiding. As my Ma used to say, "We teach best what we most need to learn"

Some of us have suicidal ideation. This is a solvable problem. Death by su***de is not the solve. 💔

I know I am not alone with feeling so sad and frustrated that so many beautiful people are dying by su***de. Research on survivors of su***de attempts show us that people who try to take their lives by su***de do not actually want to die. They simply wanted their pain to go away.

The brain often likes simple solutions. Suicidal thoughts and plans are a way some people's brains attempt to experience relief from pain, overwhelm, and distress. Some brain's get stuck and ruminate on death by su***de as an answer. This does not mean that death is the only way to find relief.

Instead know that you are not alone in your pain and your thoughts and reach out and tell someone that you are having these thoughts...that you are hurting.

We can all start having conversations about suicidal thoughts. They are more common than you'd think. We can all also improve on being more authentic. We don't need to always put on a smile. Reach out more, check in and find ways to connect with our loved ones in deeper and more authentic ways.

Some of us have suicidal ideation. This is a solvable problem. Death by su***de is not the solve. 💔

***deawareness ***deprevention