The Overwhelmed Brain

Emotional Intelligence for Critical Thinkers

Pondering the Choice to Commit Suicide

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Image still from the music video on childhood sexual abuse: “Fiona” by Asha Lightbearer

The following article is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the view of the medical or therapeutic community. Always seek professional guidance when it comes to your physical and mental health.

You usually don’t discuss suicidal thoughts with others. And because of that, they fester inside. Often the people around you have no clue what’s going on with you until it’s too late.

I personally don’t believe suicidal thoughts in themselves are necessarily unhealthy. In fact, I believe they can be a good way to use your brain the way it was designed:

To consider all outcomes of a situation, good, bad and ugly. Your brain appreciates that it has a choice. 

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Failing the Challenge – Silent Abuse in Relationships – Depressed and Unmotivated – Appreciating What Works

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What do you do when you have to face a challenge that you believe you’re prepared for, but fail instead?

The feelings of failure can be debilitating, especially when you’ve spent a lot of time and energy working on self-improvement. It can feel like you’ve taken 10 steps backward. Learning comes with the challenge of applying what you’ve learned, so expect challenges to be just more than you think you’re prepared for.

When you have the tools, the challenge will come.

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Committing to a Decision – Chronic Pain and Suffering – Trouble Receiving – Expanding Beyond You

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Can you commit to a decision? How do you know if you’re making the right decision?

Follow your heart is great advice… if you even know what’s in your heart.

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Surviving the Crisis – Self-Perpetuating Abuse – Building Resilience Through Criticism

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When you’re in crisis mode, is there anything you can do to bring you into a calmer, more peaceful place?

Not always. In fact, you may have to experience the full impact of the crisis before any calm or comfort can be had. However, you may be able to prepare for a crisis so it doesn’t completely debilitate you.

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Overcoming General Unease – When Nothing Works Out in Life – Questioning Trust in Relationships

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In part one of this special three-part article, I dive into the underlying currents of fear, anxiety, and discomfort that can shadow our everyday lives, influencing decisions and interactions, particularly with toxic individuals.

These choices, often made to avoid conflict, can lead to a cycle of unhappiness and fulfillment. I explore the concept of “taking the bullet”—making tough, pivotal decisions that can either perpetuate misery or halt it altogether.

In part two, I address the despair that comes from a life where everything seems to lead to more pain and toxicity, questioning what to do when all seems lost and when your past is marred by abuse and neglect. There is a way of rewriting your future, regardless of past hardships.

In part three, I talk about the importance of building trust in relationships. This journey involves making definitive choices and moving toward closure about things you feel like you can’t let go. Closure allows for a shift from a life of turmoil to one of peace and fulfillment.

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