Here are some thoughts 🏵️🏵️👇

When people are suicidal, they are often feeling overwhelmed by their pain and suffering. They may feel like there is no hope and that their life is not worth living. Telling them to be optimistic can feel invalidating and dismissive of their pain. It can also make them feel like they are not being understood.

Here are some of the reasons why telling suicidal people to be optimistic is not helpful:

It can feel invalidating and dismissive of their pain.
It can make them feel like they are not being understood.
It can give them the impression that you don't understand the severity of their situation.
It can make them feel like they are being judged.
It can make them feel like they have to pretend to be happy, which can be exhausting and stressful.

Instead of telling someone who is suicidal to be optimistic, it is better to listen to them and validate their feelings. You can also offer practical support, such as helping them to connect with resources or to take care of themselves. You can also encourage them to seek professional help.

Here are some resources that may be helpful:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

If you are concerned about someone who is suicidal, the best thing you can do is listen to them and offer practical support. You can also encourage them to seek professional help, and stand by the person to not give up. ⏩⏭️