Mental illness has a way of sucking the color, vibrancy and excitement from life. It can cause crippling physical and emotional symptoms and, occasionally, it can even lead to suicide.
That’s why it’s so crucial to send the message that mental health conditions are treatable. A national conversation on mental illness and suicide erases some of the stigma that comes with psychological disorders and, hopefully as a result, propels people to seek professional support.
One of the best ways to have this conversation is through the vast platform of social media. In honor of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, the mental health-focused nonprofit organization, To Write Love On Her Arms started the hashtag #IKeptLiving. The tweets are an inspirational reminder that seeking treatment for mental illness is essential.
Take a look at some of the encouraging messages below:
#IKeptLiving because i knew one day i would find the light out of the tunnel, and finally that day has come🌸💐🌻🌺🌷
— baby j (@janayapoww) September 9, 2016
#IKeptLiving because my illness doesn't get to win. My dreams do.
— Rachel Donegan (@rachdone) August 28, 2016
#IKeptLiving because people need people and people need me
— elle sparks (@elle_sparks0) September 7, 2016
#IKeptLiving because I found my passion in helping others live with their mental disorders. @TWLOHA
— Kallie Røse (@kallie_rose) August 30, 2016
#IKeptLiving thanks to my friends, family, mentors, and counselors. #IKeptLiving because help is real. #IKeptLiving to tell you this.
— Leah Bartlett (@LeahMBartlett) August 30, 2016
#IKeptLiving to honour the love and care I have been shown by people I love and care for.
— Keith W Clancy (@keithwclancy) August 30, 2016
#IKeptLiving bc there are so many more concerts to go to, and I always feel so alive at concerts.
— Karly Mann (@_gnarlykarly) August 27, 2016
#IKeptLiving because I knew there was something more out there for me. @TWLOHA
— Abby May (@abbyrogish) August 30, 2016
Sometimes good advice can change your day, & ultimately your life, so please don't be afraid to seek help if you're struggling. #IKeptLiving
— Karly Mann (@_gnarlykarly) August 30, 2016
#IKeptLiving because i am worthy of a healthy and happy life 🌸 @TWLOHA
— jackie (@JackieSmith2297) August 30, 2016
#IKeptLiving because I wanted to see what the "brighter days" would be like. (spoiler alert: they're worth the fight.)
— pia (@lighxwood) August 29, 2016
#IKeptLiving because I am not my mental illness. I will not let it take any more away from me. No one should. #WSPD16
— Sam Massie (@Sammasssie11) August 29, 2016
Too many books to read, lessons to learn, dances to dance, too many dreams to fulfill, families to make, voices to hear #IKeptLiving
— Miranda Chantelois (@mkchantelois) August 28, 2016
You are loved, you are all loved, by someone, or something, and maybe not now, but someday, it will be okay. Someday. #IKeptLiving @TWLOHA
— myrla, kat (@myrla_cat) August 28, 2016
#IKeptLiving so that other people with bipolar & anxiety disorders would see that living fully is still possible. Joy will come.💜
— ❦ Kendall ❦ (@Kendall_Claire) August 26, 2016
#IKeptLiving because I've learned I am more than my insecurities, flaws, and mistakes
— alison (@ahegarty9) August 25, 2016
#IKeptLiving because i realized there is only one of me. though my words are small, they are still my words, and only i can speak them.
— chelsea (@chelsea_faith1) August 26, 2016
If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.