PWC (Poor Word Choice?)

A couple months ago, when I shared that I was struggling, a handful of individuals took issue with the fact that I included “suicidal ideation” in my confession. 

Suicidal ideation doesn’t have to mean that you are suicidal or that you have a plan, which was why I chose those words. The extent of my despair was that the pain was sometimes overwhelming enough that I wished I could fall asleep and not wake up.

My intention was misinterpreted, though, and some people assumed I was a danger to myself or others. I was told that if I had such feelings, I should share them privately and keep them away from public scrutiny.

Now, I am very fortunate that I have friends and family members who support me unconditionally. I could have reached out to them individually and gotten help. What about those who don’t know where to turn? What if someone hasn’t disclosed their illness yet but recognizes they need assistance? Why can’t they ask for that help publicly? 

It’s considered perfectly acceptable to ask for prayers and support when a patient is struggling with cancer, but mental illness is still expected to be kept private.

Additionally, the same individuals who told me that “suicidal ideation” was problematic indicated that the rest of my confession sounded like a rant or blowing off steam. Keep in mind that this was the same post in which I shared that I was tired and in constant pain. I was asking for help, not to have my struggles belittled.

We are told to hide our struggles with mental health, and when someone dares to reveal that they are hurting, that person is branded as selfish or attention-seeking. How devastating is that? How many people are not seeking treatment because of the stigma? How many people are dealing with crippling pain alone because they are afraid of losing friends or a job? 

When is all of this nonsense going to stop?

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