[a moment] to make a mountainous choice

 

[moment 309]

Once (and hopefully only once) friend of mine took too many pills. On purpose. They wanted the way they were feeling to stop. Only once they ingested the pills, the reality of what they had done hit and they immediately reached out for help - and thankfully received the help they needed. 

Once a friend of mine wanted to climb Mount Everest. Sure, people died trying, but it was worth the risk. Until they found themself on the mountain facing the reality that they could in fact die. Then they regretted their choice and got the help they needed to get themself out of the dangerous situation to safety.

Once a friend of mine thought that, should they die, their life was in order and their relationship with their higher power was good and they could face it with confidence that all would be ok. That is, until they received a diagnosis that gave them a greater chance for meeting their maker than sticking around to see their children grow up. It was then they discovered that more than anything, they wanted to live. 

The concept of death for those who haven't faced it is vastly different from the reality that you could actually die when you're in the midst of a situation that could result in your demise. Our brains just can't comprehend the reality of our own death until the fact that we could be or are dying right here, right now presents itself.

If you're facing a life-altering or life-shortening diagnosis, it's ok to be scared and angry and have all the feelings - and to reach out for help and support from those who care about you.

If you're contemplating doing something dangerous, remember it takes a great amount of courage to do the thing, but also to admit when the risks outweigh the slim chance of the desired outcome and reach out for help to get yourself somewhere safe. 

If you're contemplating ending your life, please reach out for help now, before your actions alter not only your existence, but the lives of those who care about you. You don't have to go through this alone and there are people who can help.