02/21/2026
Be careful with people who are suicidal. Let me explain.
1. They still show up. To work. To school. To family events. And then collapse when they’re finally alone.
2. They listen to everyone else’s problems, but feel like a burden for having their own.
3. Their laughter sounds real, but it’s often a shield they’ve perfected over time.
4. They don’t always want to die—they just want the pain, the noise, the heaviness to stop.
5. They function well enough that people assume they’re fine, so no one looks closer.
6. They may give hope to others while quietly losing it themselves.
7. Their hardest moments happen in silence—late at night, in the shower, during the drive home.
8. They don’t always say “I’m suicidal.” Sometimes they say “I’m tired,” “I’m empty,” or nothing at all.
9. They apologize for existing, for needing reassurance, for taking up space.
10. They survive the day for others—but don’t know how to live it for themselves.
So when we say
check on people,
don’t make it a slogan.
Sit with them.
Ask twice.
Listen without fixing.
Stay longer than feels comfortable.
Because the people who seem “strong,” “okay,” or “used to it”
are often the ones fighting the hardest battles in silence.
And silence can be dangerous—but connection can save lives. 💚
***deprevention
