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Mental health disorders can be hard to measure, diagnose and recover from. Unlike when you break your arm, you can't get detailed X-rays of someone's pain or determine that they are completely 'healed.' There are conditions that make people at a higher risk of attempting suicide, such as depression, but it can happen to anyone. In 2017, there were an estimated 1,400,000 suicide attempts in the U.S and 47,173 Americans died by suicide.
Attempting suicide once puts someone at higher risk for doing it again, but on this Bored Panda list, you will see photos from people who found happiness after surviving their attempt. One important way that an attempt survivor can reduce future suicidality is to attempt to change their perspective, and through their hopeful messages, you will see these people are on the right path. Scroll down below to see some inspiring survivors and upvote your favs.
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#1
My boyfriend and I met a year ago in a mental hospital after we had both attempted suicide. Today we're celebrating one year of not being dead
Kimberly Young 5 years ago
Love the humor! Having someone who understands is a great way to cope.
RELATED:
#2
9 years ago I was suicidal and ready to die, now I’m my week old son’s favourite place to fall asleep.
#3
Two years ago I attempted suicide and was in the hospital for 5 months. The doctors told me I would stay in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. Today, I am riding a bike by the river during my visit to Japan
#4
I struggled for the past 7 years with depression, self-harm, and suicide attempts that put me into a mental institution multiple times. This last year I've greatly improved myself physically and mentally, and I just graduated and got my bachelor's degree. Never thought I'd live to see this point
#5
A year ago I was suicidal. Being trans is so difficult, and I thought there was no way I’d be able to pass not continue after being berated constantly for being trans. But here I am, happy as ever, working an amazing job, and now completely covered for surgery that I need. Stay motivated.
#6
I was married to a man who wouldn't let me improve myself so I would stay weak. After a botched suicide, three years of hard work and a lot of therapy I ran my first race and placed 3rd!
#7
Life after suicide attempt. Survivor of mental, physical, sexual and alcohol abuse and even after all that I found light at the end of the tunnel, so you can too
#8
Photo I took an hour ago and the other photo - 21 months ago, different that day. About 1 hour after that photo was taken I attempted suicide. Now why do I share my journey daily? Because I show that change is possible. Look at me hiding behind that smile 21 months ago
#9
I never planned to make it to 18. I attempted suicide when I was 14, then 15, and then again at 17. But I’m here, I'm alive, I'm 18. This is the beginning of the rest of my life. This day is truly a celebration of my life. I'm so glad I'm alive
Christina Webster 5 years ago
I hadn't commented on any of these, despite how beautiful they are. Then I read yours...my daughter said the same thing about not living to 18 many times. I almost lost her the day before her 18th bday this past December. When I look at your picture I see the same beauty, creativity, kindness, sensitivity, & intelligence I see when I look at her- it takes my breath away! You keep going, brilliant girl! Sending you all my Mama love for your lifetime of happiness <3<3<3
#10
It's a powerful feeling when things come full circle in your life.
Four years ago, a very broken me walked the bridge over I-90, every morning at 3 AM, ready to jump. Today a thriving new version of myself stood on that very bridge trying to remember that girl who'd gotten so hurt and lost.
All I can say is, don't believe the lie 'it gets easier', because truth is, it doesn't. You get stronger, and eventually become a warrior, able to share your scars to be a light to someone else
#11
After struggling my whole life with depression and suicide, I graduated high school, got married, got a baby, and joined the military all in one year
#12
A year ago today I suffered a spinal injury. I nearly died, I spent months paralyzed in bed, I’ve had my heart broken, I attempted suicide. Now look at me, one year on. I don’t just survive - I thrive. My God is good
#13
On the anniversary of my suicide attempt, I saw my all-time favorite band perform live. Life is amazing now and I have never been so happy to be alive
#14
Three years ago I attempted suicide because of my chronic depression and a traumatic experience. Now I'm about to graduate high school and as of yesterday I'm three years clean of self-harm
#15
Anorexia recovery. Suicide survivor. I care because I know the hurt - and I share because I know the fight is worth it
#16
I could've ended up as another number in the statistics of teen suicide. Today you'll rarely find me without a smile. You guys saved a life. Thank you
#17
A year and a half ago I spent my 16th birthday in a mental hospital on suicide watch. Now I’ve been accepted to college, have a wonderful girlfriend, a job I’m loving and can enjoy a Christmas with my family. I started living for what make me happy and not for what others said should make me happy
#18
One year ago today, I was in a coma after my third suicide attempt in three months. Today I’m with the love of my life who keeps me laughing through thick and thin, and I’m a year free of self-harm! It is wonderful to be alive
#19
Behind this smile there was pain, behind this degree there is a smile.
I'm suicide survivor, diagnosed with major anxiety and moderate depression. But I’m graduating with a 3.7 and a degree in psychology, this only the beginning
#20
At risk of sounding vapid, I'm happy at how genuinely content I look in these pictures from tonight. 3 weeks ago I was suicidal & depressed, today my friends got me outta bed and dressed up, smiling and confident for the first time in a long time.
#21
After a long year of being suicidal, cheated on, and sexually assaulted, I was finally able to enjoy myself again on a family trip to Disneyland and make new friends. I didn't think it would, but it gets better.
#22
Struggled for years with depression and loneliness. 5 years ago I was convinced I was unlovable and attempted suicide. Now I’m mentally strong, optimistic and engaged to my best friend
#23
Today marks one year since I last attempted suicide and harmed myself. For the first time in a long time I’m happy to say that I’m still here. Nothing is perfect nor permanent and you can overcome any obstacle you face. Things do get better
#24
I used to be very unhappy with my life, had a long rough period filled with anxiety and low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts, I hated myself and was about to end everything but I've managed to lose ~36kg (79 lbs), and my life started to change. I am so much happier now, I'm so glad I'm still alive!
#25
4 years ago today I attempted suicide. Today I am 4 years clean from self harm. I am glowing. I am happy. I am loving. I am caring. I am ALIVE
#26
After beating suicide in just one year I graduated from university, launched my own company, bought my first house, found the 2 loves of my life, took myself on my first vacation, got engaged to my best friend.
#27
Both of us have suffered through depression, self-harm and attempted suicide at one point in our lives... So glad we made it through to be as happy as we are today
#28
One thing you may not know about me is that I used to be in the United States AirForce! I was in for about one year before receiving a separation for medical related issues. It was one of the hardest times of my life, as I was battling suicide. In January I woke up in the hospital surprised I was alive. That was January, 2018. I was released in April, 2018. From there I had no place to live, nothing planned, not a lot of money saved up. And yet I found a place to live in a gated community, I found a job, and a beautiful, amazing girlfriend who I see myself spending my life with, and during this year of recovery... I FOUND MYSELF! And what I want to show you is that I want to help you Accomplish whatever your goals are or show you, that you can overcome anything with the right mindset, determination, and tools
#29
Lost my only real friend group and attempted suicide 4 times within the last few months, the last time ending with an infection that had me bedridden for a week. Got to pass my driver’s test today, have an awesome job working with children who are all now my friends! Smooth sailing ahead!
#30
Beginning of 2017- depressed and attempted suicide. This year’s been quite the whirlwind but I’m finally in a better place. End of 2017- mentally and physically stronger
Note: this post originally had 45 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
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Foxxy 5 years ago (edited)
Last suicide attempt I did was April 2005. I spent 5 days in hospital and 5 days after I was discharged my daughter (first child) was conceived. I have had suicidal thoughts numerous times since then but I can’t go through with it because of my kids. I know my triggers and if I feel like I am going to do something stupid I seek help before it gets too far and my go to method for suicide attempt is overdose. So again if I feel like I am going to do something stupid I will get rid of all medication in my house so the temptation isn’t there. The last time I had suicidal thoughts was just last year but thankfully I have a great GP and psychologist so now I have more regular appts and my antidepressant dose was upped. Some people think suicide is selfish but most of the time suicide is done because we think the people who love us would be better off with out us. We feel living is selfish and we are a burden to the ones we love. These are the lies mental illness tells us.
Foxxy 5 years ago (edited)
Please if you are feeling suicidal seek help. You have people that love you and need you and you deserve to live and to be loved. I still suffer mental illness but I will not let it destroy me and my family. It will not win, it is the longest and hardest road I have ever taken but I have a strength in me that growth and my family have given me. I wish everyone who is suffering whether openly or silently can overcome this terrible disease and again please seek help.
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Katchen 5 years ago
I wish my brother could be in this gallery, but he has no “after” picture. . .
Just a Purpler 5 years ago
That breaks my heart, and I feel for you... I'm fortunate to say my brother will have the after picture, but we're still getting to the happy part. Your comment reminds me of how I felt the night I wasn't sure if there would be an after picture... I'm so sorry it has to turn out that way. I hope he's at peace now though.
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Loki C 5 years ago
I've survived three attempts. The world was horrific and I wanted out. I've lived through rape at 13, pregnancy because of it and losing twins. I didn't want to, but i survived being trafficked. The last time I had ideations i checked myself in. Unlike when i tried suicide, I now have the most wonderful little bit in the universe
miten sasmita 5 years ago
My God you are such a strong and wonderful human being. I hope you can reach your dreams and get all the happiness you deserve.
Load More Replies... Foxxy 5 years ago (edited)
Last suicide attempt I did was April 2005. I spent 5 days in hospital and 5 days after I was discharged my daughter (first child) was conceived. I have had suicidal thoughts numerous times since then but I can’t go through with it because of my kids. I know my triggers and if I feel like I am going to do something stupid I seek help before it gets too far and my go to method for suicide attempt is overdose. So again if I feel like I am going to do something stupid I will get rid of all medication in my house so the temptation isn’t there. The last time I had suicidal thoughts was just last year but thankfully I have a great GP and psychologist so now I have more regular appts and my antidepressant dose was upped. Some people think suicide is selfish but most of the time suicide is done because we think the people who love us would be better off with out us. We feel living is selfish and we are a burden to the ones we love. These are the lies mental illness tells us.
Foxxy 5 years ago (edited)
Please if you are feeling suicidal seek help. You have people that love you and need you and you deserve to live and to be loved. I still suffer mental illness but I will not let it destroy me and my family. It will not win, it is the longest and hardest road I have ever taken but I have a strength in me that growth and my family have given me. I wish everyone who is suffering whether openly or silently can overcome this terrible disease and again please seek help.
Load More Replies... Katchen 5 years ago
I wish my brother could be in this gallery, but he has no “after” picture. . .
Just a Purpler 5 years ago
That breaks my heart, and I feel for you... I'm fortunate to say my brother will have the after picture, but we're still getting to the happy part. Your comment reminds me of how I felt the night I wasn't sure if there would be an after picture... I'm so sorry it has to turn out that way. I hope he's at peace now though.
Load More Replies... Loki C 5 years ago
I've survived three attempts. The world was horrific and I wanted out. I've lived through rape at 13, pregnancy because of it and losing twins. I didn't want to, but i survived being trafficked. The last time I had ideations i checked myself in. Unlike when i tried suicide, I now have the most wonderful little bit in the universe
miten sasmita 5 years ago
My God you are such a strong and wonderful human being. I hope you can reach your dreams and get all the happiness you deserve.
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