Written by: Karen Gibson, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
No one ever contemplates the gift of a failed suicide attempt. The repercussions of a suicide attempt can go on for years. Some families suffer from endless shame and guilt. How could they have missed the signs that their loved one was contemplating ending their life? The World Health Organization reported that suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds globally in 2019.
No matter what we’re going through, we must focus on a healthy perspective. A short mantra such as “This, too, shall pass” is a reminder that everything experienced in life, good or bad, is only temporary. Whether we're going through hardship, or surrounded by love and joy; take a deep breath, embrace the moment and remember that the most painful experiences are temporary. Our tortuous pain may feel like it’ll never end, but within time, engaging in healing practices, our broken heart will heal. Our devastation may break our hearts into a million pieces, but if we give ourselves permission to start the healing process, our souls will shine again. How do we change our mindset when the Black Hole of Depression sucks us into feeling worthless?
Accepting that we’re human, shedding the need for perfectionism, and finding the courage to let go of past regrets is instrumental in moving forward when someone strongly believes that life is not worth living. The gift of a failed suicide attempt is recognizing the reasons why choosing to end one’s life was the solution to stop the pain one could no longer tolerate. Understanding how to heal our inner child can help the healing process. Our “inner child” is a part of our subconscious that has received messages way before it was able to fully process what was mentally and emotionally happening in our childhood. Emotions, memories, and beliefs from our past as well as hopes and dreams for the future reside in our inner child. When we endure suffering, whether it involves parenting issues, personal challenges, or conflicts at work, our inner child wounds are ripped open.
Learning the triggers from our childhood and how they affect our lives as an adult can help us see the gift of a failed suicide attempt. Having the courage and willingness to look at our Inner Child Wounds, and the strength and self-love to un-learn, re-learn and practice the life skills we never learned in childhood will teach us why our life is worth living. Setting healthy boundaries, regulating emotions, learning problem-solving strategies, how to communicate effectively, and tolerating stress are essential skills to navigate the rollercoaster journey we ride every day we choose to live. It’s all about healthy self-talk and overcoming limiting beliefs. Once you overcome limiting beliefs, you are on your way to appreciating the hidden gifts that life offers.
Karen Gibson, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Karen is the founder of "Letting Go with Aloha," offering coaching for overwhelmed parents and those in parenting roles who want to parent with peace instead of pain. As a former special education teacher, she also founded Brain Builders, a private tutoring business whose mission is to enhance students' mental and emotional potential. She is the author of "Mama's Gotta Let Go: How to Let Go Without Losing Your Sanity,” available on Amazon, as well as “100 Parenting Tips Inspired by the Pandemic,” published in March 2021 by Balboa Press.
