I survived suicide attempts
I haven't attempted lately, though the idea lingers. I've taken overdoses a number of times, and spent time in a nice facility twice. At this point, I mostly don't want to end my life, primarily because of concern for my wife. Sometimes, when I'm in a lot of physical and emotional pain, I wish I had died.
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Connect
@parus I was looking back at this discussion and saw your name and wondered how you're doing.
I took a break from Connect because I was feeling overwhelmed, but I jumped back in a few weeks ago.
Jim
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3 Reactions@overwhelmed
How are you doing? I took a long break from Connect because I was feeling overwhelmed. I decided a few weeks ago to reconnect on a smaller, more manageable scale.
I wonder if you've been able to get your new teeth. I suppose by now that you have new flooring.
Let me know what's going on with you.
Jim
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2 Reactions@lilgrizz
I took a long break from Connect because I was feeling overwhelmed. But I decided to reconnect a few weeks ago. I hope you're still moving forward.
Thank you for your encouragement a couple of years ago.
Jim
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2 ReactionsJim,
Thank you for your comments.
I can relate to your words.
I wish that I had died when I had Sepsis.
I wish that I had died when I had C-diff.
I wish that I had 12 years ago in the emergency and so many other times God had the opportunity and didn't take me.
I've never attempted it. But this thoughts come more often and stronger each day. At least you have your caring and lovin wife. But, it turns out, in my case more than likely must people (close) would be not only relief but probably happy if I was gone. Some may even celebrate. Yet some purposely
I don't know if I ever will attempt but I do know the desire to just not exist overpowers most of my thoughts. It is almost impossible to stop desiring it.
Whenever I ask why shoul I be alive, they really can't give a reason. Other, than their own sense of what is rigt or probably to afraid to admit they would feel relieved.
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1 Reaction@johnjames
Tomorrow, 11/11/22, is coincidentally Veterans Day. My husband was in the US Army for 22 years: Vietnam thru the first Gulf War.
After retirement, he received a magazine on a regular basis: Gulf War in Review.
Bottom line, the military had conducted a long-term study. They reported the casualties due to suicide. I won't even begin to say I can understand the reasons because I wasn't on any of the battlefields. "You won't understand" is a badge of honor. Our service members understand because they were there.
Thank you to my husband on a daily basis--not just 11/11--and those who have served our country. Thank you for taking the oath to " Defend and protect our Constitution........"
Take One more Oath, please
Service Member: " I take this oath to protect myself. So help me..."
☮️💜
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1 ReactionThank you Pastor!
My son-in-law was wounded during his 5th deployment. Stationed in Kandahar, it took 8 days to stabilize him, so that he could survive the flight from Bagram to Landstuhl. At Walter Reed, my daughter was designated her husband's non-cerified medical assistant. For almost 3 years, between WRAMC & Richmond VA, my daughter did everything from feeding him to emptying his colostomy bag
Long story short--my Son-in-law has abandoned my daughter.
Long-story-short, they experienced so many unanticipated consequences of War.
Long-story-short. Their marriage is a casualty of War.
Long-story-short. My daughter is experiencing her own health issues now--issues related to stressors & trauma.
Long-story-short. Be careful of what I pray for in the future. My son-in-law is a dead man walking. He wishes he had died a warrior's death in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Pastor, this is the first time I've let it rip. I'm not angry with you, or God, or my son-in-law. I've been holding it in for over 12 years for GP & PC reasons. I felt I could let go because you've been there and you understand.
My gratitude to you and our service members, not just on 11/11, but everyday.
☮️💜
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1 ReactionIs anyone still looking at this conversation? I don't want to write to empty space.
Jim Dickinson
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2 Reactions@jimhd Jim the last post was from 2022? Are you having your own concerns and need to talk?
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2 Reactions@jenatsky I'm still dealing with depression and PTSD and I'm considering options beside meds. I've been taking the same ones for 20 years, after trying a number of others over the course of 5 years. I'm looking at ECT and TMS, but there are issues with both. I'd have to stop my antidepressant Wellbutrin and Klonopin for TMS, and I'm afraid of what that will do to me. ECT has fewer than half the number of treatments than TMS and is half the distance from home. BUT my wife and adult children are vehemently opposed to ECT because of the horror stories. The thing is, the horror stories are what get heard, even though they are a small percentage of actual outcomes, and even though it's the definitive treatment for treatment resistant MDD. I'm still considering ECT because I'm tired of living like this.
I don't feel at risk for suicide, but the thoughts are always in the conscious part of my mind.
I've heard so many well intentioned people say things about suicide that are just not at all helpful to a suicidal mind. Things like it's selfish or it's a choice or a sign of the devil in my heart. The list is long. The same goes for what well meaning people say to a depressed person. They often just make it worse.
So, my struggle right now is getting my family to respect my decision regarding treatment. I'm not normally an assertive person, so I'm finding it hard to be heard. I get ambushed with the negatives and responding is hard for me. Very frustrating! My past response has been just to give up or give in.
Normally this is snow season, but it's been spring weather this year. My wife would have to drive me home from ECT treatments, which are done only at 6 a.m., 30 minutes from home, and she doesn't do snow. Yet another consideration. Whatever I decide, it will have to be put on hold until the real spring comes.
By now I'm rambling. There are days when I don't know how much longer I can live with the mental health issues and chronic pain.
Thank you for asking.
Jim
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3 ReactionsFrom my experience as a psych nurse and my readings SE from TMS are much less than ECT and are not permanent. I’d consider trying that first since it’s less hazardous to your health.
https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/blog/side-effects-of-tms-benefits-vs-risks
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2 Reactions