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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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
Love the humor! Having someone who understands is a great way to cope.
9 years ago I was suicidal and ready to die, now I’m my week old son’s favourite place to fall asleep.
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
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
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.
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!
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
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
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
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
You can get stronger but life can get better removing toxic people and influences and doing things to help cope. It definitely depends on what is making it worse. Sometimes our own heads alone can be enough to make things horrible and sometimes people have outside influences adding to their depression and getting rid of that can definitely make the it gets better true. I know in my case if I hadn't cut my abusive dad out of my life I wouldn't have been able to adjust
I think that „It doesn’t get easier“ part is important. Telling a person that things get better, will be easier etc. only makes them more miserable when they go through another dark phase. I‘ve always tried to make friends with mental struggles understand that while they might have to deal with a lot of c**p, they won’t have to deal with it alone. Usually helped them a bunch to know that they weren‘t all alone.
Go ahead with your warrior self. Yes let your scars be the proof to others that there is healing available
I don't think the saying is "it gets easier", it's actually "it gets better", which is truth. After multiple attempts in younger years, I'm still alive at over 50. It does get better, because unless you die, you change. You learn. With the help of long term therapy, things that once would have triggered severe depression now trigger acute determination to Beat This. You work hard, you cry hard, and you learn to do life in ways that don't make you want to die. It ALWAYS gets better, always.
Life never easy, especially when you have no family or friends support, nobody tried to understand you, or keep pointing fingers. It's very hard to deal with every day, you feel like just end it will solve the problem. They said when you at the rock bottom , there is no more down under, it will only jump right back to the better life, it might take some time to get what you want, and you will see the different everyday! I promised!
You learn tools for your emotional toolbox, and build a circle of people who catch you.
this is so true. My life was up and down and up and down, and when I finally took a few days to lie in bed and internalize and accept the idea that I'll never prevent all the anxiety provoking crises, I'll never not have a health challenge of some kind, that I need to stop feeling so horrible each time i get depressed again because i really thought i fixed the problem that was causing it. On day two or so I realized that life isn't always going to be depression/despair level pain, but I am never really going to catch a break; but I will still be ok. Lowering my expectations actually helped me improve my situation from the inside out. I'm starting to build the future I want in my dreams, with room to accept and adapt to all the unknown challenges I know will come.
That’s inspiring. I’d love to hear more about your story of hope for a photo story project we’re doing in philly
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
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
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
Anorexia recovery. Suicide survivor. I care because I know the hurt - and I share because I know the fight is worth it
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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!
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
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.
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
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
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!
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.
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.
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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I wish my brother could be in this gallery, but he has no “after” picture. . .
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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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
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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Bless all these beautiful people sharing their personal stories to try to improve the lives of another.
Every person who has ever shared their stories of attempted suicdie or depression are so brave and strong for coming out the other side. It's great to see that some people can get past their attempts but there are also people who are not so fortunate and sometimes 'helping and talking' doesn't do anything; I know, I lost a friend 5 years ago and it still hurts...
Inspiring stories! And I love BoredPanda, but I wish they hadn't limited this subject to 30 people - at the end it says "this post originally had 45 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes." Can't they do a second page link instead of mentioning that they're ranking them based on "user votes"? It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there after an attempted suicide - and to cut some of those people's stories based on votes? I clicked the link to read those stories that didn't make the cut, and they are just as personal, painful and inspiring. I know the format of BoredPanda is that the images with the most votes get top billing, but for something like this, can they do pages instead of limiting it to the top 30? I've seen Panda articles about haircuts go on for 9 pages. And some posters are only weeks away from their last attempt and still extremely vulnerable. Anyway thanks BP for being a platform of hope and thanks to all of those who posted!
Agreed. When it's a typical post, it's annoying at worst, but even though I know it wasn't intentional - those 'lower ranked' stories are still stories of brave people sharing hope, and it kinda ticked me off to see some cut from the list
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the nickname of this post is hope. hope for love, life and many other things. Thanx to this persons for being here and alive
Trying so hard not to cry over this. These are beautiful and sad stories. So glad everyone is still here.
Great stories up there. I'm glad to know that people succeed where I'm failing. I think it's life, some people car come back to life some don't. I struggle for year and still now, but I don't think I'l be able to succeed like they did. It's life.
These people struggled for years. They didn’t think that they could make it either. You can pull through like they did.
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what's with the "survivor" terminology? are you supposed to feel accomplished after having not gone through with it? downvote me all you like (and cue the assumptions about me too) , but I'm sick of this pandering to every single f*****g person that does anything, even tries to kill themselves. A survivor is someone who wasn't killed in a plane crash, not someone who makes an attempt on their own life and fails.
I'm keeping this on my phone so when i have a suicidal period (which is every few months atm) i can look at it and be reminded that I'm not the only one who is going through this and that i will get through it, just like they did.
I never attempted suicide but I was thinking about it many times. Seeing two pshyotherapists now, spend a lot of money but not really feeling any better. I hate country I live and was born in, I was thinking so many times how to escape from here hoping it would cure my sadness and feeling of no hope, but I don't know how. My life here is a mess, and I have no idea how to fix it.
Privileged to hear your stories and exciting for your journey ahead. This thread proves there is absolutely no sterotypical face or any mental health issues. Don't ever judge without walking in their shoes. So happy for everyone here (including myself and my journey).
Keep on fighting for your life. It may not be over in a year or even in a five years or then but life is still worth living. I know it's easy to say, hard to remember
I am glad these lovelies finally figured out that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem or state.
These are all amazing and inspirational stories. Are there any people willing to tell their story for photo storytelling photo book project we have going in Philadelphia? Reach out to me at dave@lifeworkphoto.org We’re trying to put these inspirational stories into a kind of short very professional photo book, and get 8-10,000 of them out to a LOT of struggling people so that your stories of hope and recovery can reach as many suffering people as possible. Oh, I too suffer from major depression and I almost completed an attempt. Now I want to help others see the same light that I.... and all of these great people...saw that let us get through it
A very good post, I hope many found inspiration, life is worth living, each of us need to find a reason to be happy, it may take time, begin with happiness in little things, or, think about making some one else happy, even in a small way !!!
Can NOT pic a fav. Congratulations all. Thank you also to the people that helped me survive. This site marks my beginning>>>>https://www.metanoia.org/suicide/<<<<<< maybe it will help someone you know.
One thing that threw me was that every single one of the people in this article is very good looking. Not just okay or even above average, but truly, positively good looking! To think they looked in the mirror and didn't at least see that, is mind boggling and shows how little they thought of themselves.
Honestly, I find this to be an odd statement. Are you saying that being good-looking is all a person needs to be happy....that if someone is good-looking, they can't be unhappy?
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I have never feel suicidal, but I have from time to time some suicidal thoughts because I don`t know how to immigrate from my country...lots of people from my country (Serbia) committed suicide because we`re living in a country without present and future...and nobody cares because we`re cheap labors for Western people
Just knowing you have a way out is sometimes comforting; whether it is soon or after a long life, an out from suffering can help the mind feel like they are not trapped.
It's so hard to know how to help. Video of the "before" with no "after" of someone who was loved deeply by many people: https://youtu.be/RWzQVCkCvU8?t=119. We don't know why. The 2016 election hit him hard. He made it to the Ninja show. He was filmed for the first episode and should have moved onto the next episode. Without explanation, NBC cut him out of the first episode and moved someone else up instead. I guess they figured he would wash out or got some push-back. FU NBC.
Uh. There is nothing true about this. Euthanasia does exist in parts of Europe but it's very regulated and limited to people with painful terminal illnesses that will never improve. Mental illness is often chronic but in many cases can improve with appropriate treatment, no one is going to euthanize you for depression anywhere in Europe.
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That isn't a healthy way to help people who are suicidal.
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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.
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... I wish my brother could be in this gallery, but he has no “after” picture. . .
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... 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
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... Bless all these beautiful people sharing their personal stories to try to improve the lives of another.
Every person who has ever shared their stories of attempted suicdie or depression are so brave and strong for coming out the other side. It's great to see that some people can get past their attempts but there are also people who are not so fortunate and sometimes 'helping and talking' doesn't do anything; I know, I lost a friend 5 years ago and it still hurts...
Inspiring stories! And I love BoredPanda, but I wish they hadn't limited this subject to 30 people - at the end it says "this post originally had 45 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes." Can't they do a second page link instead of mentioning that they're ranking them based on "user votes"? It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there after an attempted suicide - and to cut some of those people's stories based on votes? I clicked the link to read those stories that didn't make the cut, and they are just as personal, painful and inspiring. I know the format of BoredPanda is that the images with the most votes get top billing, but for something like this, can they do pages instead of limiting it to the top 30? I've seen Panda articles about haircuts go on for 9 pages. And some posters are only weeks away from their last attempt and still extremely vulnerable. Anyway thanks BP for being a platform of hope and thanks to all of those who posted!
Agreed. When it's a typical post, it's annoying at worst, but even though I know it wasn't intentional - those 'lower ranked' stories are still stories of brave people sharing hope, and it kinda ticked me off to see some cut from the list
Load More Replies... the nickname of this post is hope. hope for love, life and many other things. Thanx to this persons for being here and alive
Trying so hard not to cry over this. These are beautiful and sad stories. So glad everyone is still here.
Great stories up there. I'm glad to know that people succeed where I'm failing. I think it's life, some people car come back to life some don't. I struggle for year and still now, but I don't think I'l be able to succeed like they did. It's life.
These people struggled for years. They didn’t think that they could make it either. You can pull through like they did.
Load More Replies... what's with the "survivor" terminology? are you supposed to feel accomplished after having not gone through with it? downvote me all you like (and cue the assumptions about me too) , but I'm sick of this pandering to every single f*****g person that does anything, even tries to kill themselves. A survivor is someone who wasn't killed in a plane crash, not someone who makes an attempt on their own life and fails.
I'm keeping this on my phone so when i have a suicidal period (which is every few months atm) i can look at it and be reminded that I'm not the only one who is going through this and that i will get through it, just like they did.
I never attempted suicide but I was thinking about it many times. Seeing two pshyotherapists now, spend a lot of money but not really feeling any better. I hate country I live and was born in, I was thinking so many times how to escape from here hoping it would cure my sadness and feeling of no hope, but I don't know how. My life here is a mess, and I have no idea how to fix it.
Privileged to hear your stories and exciting for your journey ahead. This thread proves there is absolutely no sterotypical face or any mental health issues. Don't ever judge without walking in their shoes. So happy for everyone here (including myself and my journey).
Keep on fighting for your life. It may not be over in a year or even in a five years or then but life is still worth living. I know it's easy to say, hard to remember
I am glad these lovelies finally figured out that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem or state.
These are all amazing and inspirational stories. Are there any people willing to tell their story for photo storytelling photo book project we have going in Philadelphia? Reach out to me at dave@lifeworkphoto.org We’re trying to put these inspirational stories into a kind of short very professional photo book, and get 8-10,000 of them out to a LOT of struggling people so that your stories of hope and recovery can reach as many suffering people as possible. Oh, I too suffer from major depression and I almost completed an attempt. Now I want to help others see the same light that I.... and all of these great people...saw that let us get through it
A very good post, I hope many found inspiration, life is worth living, each of us need to find a reason to be happy, it may take time, begin with happiness in little things, or, think about making some one else happy, even in a small way !!!
Can NOT pic a fav. Congratulations all. Thank you also to the people that helped me survive. This site marks my beginning>>>>https://www.metanoia.org/suicide/<<<<<< maybe it will help someone you know.
One thing that threw me was that every single one of the people in this article is very good looking. Not just okay or even above average, but truly, positively good looking! To think they looked in the mirror and didn't at least see that, is mind boggling and shows how little they thought of themselves.
Honestly, I find this to be an odd statement. Are you saying that being good-looking is all a person needs to be happy....that if someone is good-looking, they can't be unhappy?
Load More Replies... I have never feel suicidal, but I have from time to time some suicidal thoughts because I don`t know how to immigrate from my country...lots of people from my country (Serbia) committed suicide because we`re living in a country without present and future...and nobody cares because we`re cheap labors for Western people
Just knowing you have a way out is sometimes comforting; whether it is soon or after a long life, an out from suffering can help the mind feel like they are not trapped.
It's so hard to know how to help. Video of the "before" with no "after" of someone who was loved deeply by many people: https://youtu.be/RWzQVCkCvU8?t=119. We don't know why. The 2016 election hit him hard. He made it to the Ninja show. He was filmed for the first episode and should have moved onto the next episode. Without explanation, NBC cut him out of the first episode and moved someone else up instead. I guess they figured he would wash out or got some push-back. FU NBC.
Uh. There is nothing true about this. Euthanasia does exist in parts of Europe but it's very regulated and limited to people with painful terminal illnesses that will never improve. Mental illness is often chronic but in many cases can improve with appropriate treatment, no one is going to euthanize you for depression anywhere in Europe.
Load More Replies... That isn't a healthy way to help people who are suicidal.
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