The brain is a don't get killed device! There is a very good chance that there are people that you interact with on a daily basis who are beginning to or are already experiencing serious suicidal thoughts and ideations. But I believe if we are more aware of some of the overlooked warning signs, we can help people understand that their own brains, their bodies, have been trying to warn them well in advance of ultimately feeling hopeless, or suicidal.
Just like anxiety is trying to warn us of potential dangers, or we experience visceral, or immediate reactions when we're put in positions where we feel threatened, I also believe that when the brain starts saying that you may feel like entertaining thoughts of suicide, in reality, your brain may feel like it has already tried to get your attention through things like anxiety, depression, anger, or withdrawal in hopes that those things will elicit change. What your brain ultimately wants is not simply to live, but to find purpose, to love, laugh, and experience a genuine connection to others. But if you feel like you're trapped, or stuck, or if you feel like no matter what you say or do, someone close to you is telling you what you're doing is wrong, then your brain starts looking for ways to get your attention, as it desperately wants to thrive!
