What is Normal
Content Note:
This guest post is shared for Suicide Awareness Month and discusses sensitive topics that may include suicidal thoughts, self-harm, trauma, abuse, emotional pain, depression, anxiety, or crisis-level hopelessness. Please read with care. If this topic feels activating, it is okay to pause, step away, or reach out for support.
A note from Brandi:
This guest post is shared with permission and reflects the personal experience and perspective of the writer. It is offered for awareness, education, encouragement, and stigma reduction. It is not therapy, clinical advice, crisis care, medical advice, or a substitute for professional support. If you are in crisis, thinking about suicide, at risk of hurting yourself, or in immediate danger, call 911, call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room.
What is Normal
I sit, and I wait, and I try to think about what I can do to make myself normal
Or at least more acceptable
I could hang out with some friends
Go watch some tv and sit and chat
But I have to make sure I stay on topics that wouldn’t make me lie to feel like I fit in
That I feel the way they do about everything
Or something more than others
So maybe not that
What Should I Do?
Maybe I could go on a date
Sign up for a dating app
Oh no, that could be trouble
What if my friends find out I’m looking at
So no, not that
Ok, so I know what’s safe
Just go to bed and get some rest
But then, when I go to bed, my mind won’t shut off
And I’m stuck with the thoughts that I’m trying to ignore.
When I get here
This is when it gets ugly
This is when the spiral goes down
This is when I try to hurt myself
Guest Post Disclaimer:
Guest posts reflect the personal views and lived experiences of the writer. They do not necessarily represent clinical advice, therapy, crisis care, or the views of Barefoot Faith Journey or Circle of Hope Counseling Services, LLC. Blog content is educational and inspirational only and does not create a therapist-client relationship.
If you are in crisis: Please call 911, call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room. This blog is not monitored for crisis support. You are worthy of immediate care.
