“Can I Ever Get Back to Normal after a Suicide Attempt?” Attempt Survivors (2018).
“Can I Ever Get Back to Normal?” Attempt Survivors.
Can I Ever Get Back to Normal after a Suicide Attempt?
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The people who care about you will need time to process their own thoughts and feelings about your suicide attempt. They may feel guilty, thinking that they should have done more to help you. In their efforts to offer help now, they may say hurtful things to you, try to make you share more information than you’re comfortable sharing, or avoid you completely. This may cause you more emotional pain. Try to see the good intention behind what they say or do. Some of your relationships may always be different than they once were—and that’s okay. You are different now than you were before, too. This does not change the fact that you are still valued, loved, and needed (see “We Never Walk Alone,” Thomas S. Monson, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 121–24).
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Give yourself, and others, time to recover and heal. Remember what Elder Kent F. Richards of the Seventy said: “The Savior is not a silent observer. He Himself knows personally and infinitely the pain we face” (“The Atonement Covers All Pain,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 15). You are not alone.
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Church and Community Resources
(Some of the resources listed below are not created, maintained, or controlled by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These materials are intended to serve as additional helpful resources as you study this topic. The Church does not endorse any content that is not in keeping with its doctrines and teachings.)
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“Belonging Is Our Sacred Birthright,” Bonnie D. Parkin, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004.
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“Is There a Place for Me?” D. Todd Christofferson (video, suicide.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
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“The Savior Understands Me,” Jeffrey R. Holland (video, suicide.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
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“After an Attempt,” American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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“For Suicide Attempt Survivors,” Suicide Awareness Voices of Education.
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“Real advice for those who’ve attempted suicide, and want to step back into life,” JD Schramm, TEDBlog, Jan. 14, 2014.