09/11/2026
Somebody said, “I’m fine” today because they did not know how to say, “I’m struggling to stay alive.”
Somebody went to work, answered the phone, encouraged a friend, and came home feeling completely empty. We cannot always see how much pain a person is carrying by looking at how well they carry out their responsibilities.
To the person quietly struggling with thoughts of su***de: you do not have to hide your pain to deserve love. You can tell the truth about how difficult it has become. You can need help and still have faith. You can love God and still need a counselor, treatment, and someone to sit beside you through the night.
Your suffering does not make you a burden. You deserve care right here, in the middle of what you cannot explain.
Please tell someone today. If the words feel impossible, start here: “I’m having thoughts of su***de, and I need you to stay with me while I get help.” You do not have to solve your entire future tonight. Let someone help you take the next step toward safety. Healing is possible, even when you cannot yet imagine what it will look like.
And to those of us who ask, “How are you?”—let us make room for an honest answer. Listen without shaming. Take their pain seriously. Help them connect with support, and keep checking in. Let our compassion have time, patience, and presence behind it.
You deserve to be heard. You deserve help. You deserve the opportunity to feel better.
In the United States, call or text 988 for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day. You can also reach out if you are worried about someone else. 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
***deAwareness