13 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Take Your Own Life

Recently, I have been seeing posts about 13 Reasons Why. I was curious and so I googled it. I found out that it is an American teen drama series that revolves around a high school student who recorded 13 events that made her end her life.

I am not a professional in the area of mental health. I don’t have a clear idea of what goes on in the mind of a person. There’s one thing I am sure about though — taking the easy way out is not an answer to the major setbacks we encounter in life. There may be several reasons you can think of for you to commit suicide, but here are 13 reasons why you should not:

1. Sad circumstances are part of life.

They are there to teach you a lesson, to fortify you, to make you a better version of yourself. You are a diamond in the rough.

2. You have family and friends ready to support you.

They might not be flamboyant in showing their affection but trust me, they are always rooting for you.

3. You can seek psychological help.

There are so many practitioners out there who can enlighten you about your situation and how to cope with it. The first thing you need to do is to recognize the fact that you need help.

4. You have control over your life.

You may not have the say on the events that may come your way but you have the will or choice to turn losses into triumphs. You also have to believe in your worth.

5. Be the voice that others need to hear.

If you don’t like the situation you are in, then use your voice to fight it. Through you, others will become aware that nasty things happen and through collective efforts, these can be avoided. How about becoming an advocate of bully-free society or whatnot?

6. You have a purpose.

The mere fact that your heart is beating means that you are alive for a reason. Death is a finale and with it goes your purpose.

7. Hope is not just a word in the dictionary.

Your circumstances will change over time. If you’re hurt now, then you will be fine tomorrow, just like seeing the rainbow after the rain. Life comes full circle.

8. Others have gone through worse ordeals.

Look at them. They rose up from ashes and carried on bearing their scars like badges of honor earned against greater odds. As cliche as it may sound, if they can overcome the overwhelming situation, so can you.

9. You are in a better situation than others so why give up?

That life you want to end is what others are fervently praying for. They are praying for longer life just to have more time being alive even if the possibility is dim. These are the people on hospital beds not knowing if there’s still tomorrow. The refugees who are wishing to escape the horrors of war and terrorism unscathed.

10. Don’t you want to experience that overflowing joy when you emerge from the lowest of the low?

Think of that scene in Pursuit of Happiness when Will Smith was clapping for himself.

11. You don’t know what you are going to miss when you commit suicide.

You wouldn’t see the sunrise or sunset again. You won’t be part of happy family gatherings anymore. You will miss the milestones of everyone close to your heart.

12. Life is brief.

There should not be any reason to get to the end of it all. During your time on Earth, live it to the fullest. Keep in mind that what make it beautiful are not only the happy moments but also those trying times when you hit rock bottom. For how would you know joy without experiencing the pain?

13. He has your back.

Sorry but I can’t help sounding religious. I always believe that everything is part of the grand scheme that the Creator has designed for you. Not to harm you but to prosper you (Jeremiah 29: 11-13). You just have to have faith and I am sure He will see you through.

Friends, if you are one of those considering suicide as an option to disappear into oblivion, I hope you’ll change your mind after reading this. If you suspect anyone of being suicidal, please share this to them. After all, we have to live life for all it’s worth. La vita è bella.