What do we mean by “Make The Promise…”
It’s a promise to LIVE and NOT to die by suicide.
Here’s why…
So often we hear people say things like … “if I die my family will get over it…” or “no-one cares about me…” or “it doesn’t matter if I’m here or not…” or “I just can’t go on…I want to sleep and never wake up…” or “everyone would be better off if I wasn’t here…” or “things will never change, I can’t live like this anymore…” and so on… sounds familiar?
The truth is that, while it may not feel like it right now, people here care about you. They want you to live and stay here, whether it’s family, friends, co-workers, classmates or pets. When we die by suicide, we leave so many people behind who wonder “why?”. They feel a loss that does not lessen with time. We hear so many stories of people who never quite recover from the loss of a loved one to suicide. As much as families can fight, get frustrated, etc – they do want you here. As Your Life Counts is run by many people who have been touched by suicide, we can tell you that there is hope for change. You. Are. Not. Alone. You matter more to this world than you may realize.
Whatever ‘family’ looks like to you, whether you have parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, a spouse and children of your own… we’re asking you to please stop for a moment and understand that the unbearable pain that you may be feeling will simply transfer to them if you are no longer here.
That’s the terrible, painful reality and it’s the legacy of suicide. Instead, choose life.
Here’s a short note to yourself that you can download and print and keep in your wallet or purse.
It’s a promise to live.
A promise is a promise.
It’s your promise to live and not to die by suicide.
It’s your promise to yourself, to your family, your friends, your loved ones – to your pet or anything/ anyone that’s important to you.
And it’s important stuff.
Would you make that promise to yourself and to your family and friends by signing this note?
Ask your family and friends also to make their promise to live too – let them have a copy of the promise.
Remember to keep it safe so that if you find yourself feeling unsteady you can remind yourself to keep your promise to live.
Your life is very precious. Keep going and don’t ever give up. Stay alive!
We care about YOU!!
We’re here for you. We believe in you. Your life counts!
Your friends at YLC
“It takes courage and encouragement to stay alive…” – Rory Butler, Founder, Your Life Counts
