Hey Darcy, what was going on when you started having thoughts of suicide?

For me, it wasn’t one thing or one point in time. I have self-harmed for a long time and have had ongoing thoughts of suicide for 10 years.

Sounds like things have been rough for a while.

They have been. I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, anorexia nervosa, depression and OCD. I was also struggling with questioning my gender and sexuality.

What was that like for you?

I struggled to regulate my emotions. I had low self-esteem. I felt a loss of control and autonomy. I felt alone and like I was not being seen or heard.

That is a lot to work through. What helped you cope?

Despite not wanting to be there, being in the hospital helped. Friends and family who were patient and created a safe space for me to open up to them helped. It also helped to get educated on suicide and to learn that thoughts and behaviours are different and that you do not have to act on thoughts.

I’m glad that you were ultimately not alone in your struggles and people were able to support you. It seems like you have put in a lot of work and learned how to take care of your mental health.

I have. I’m now a mental health advocate. My advocacy work has allowed me to find a passion and shown me how worthy my story and work is. It has kept me going and surviving through the difficulties of suicidality.

Thank you for openly sharing your story to help others ☺