Your Story Isn't Over Yet
- by Wendy Carlton, LPC
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in Individuals
Your Story Isn't Over Yet
Wendy Carlton, LPC
Life can be scary and unpredictable. And if an individual is faced with the challenges of depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issues, it can intensify that fear and shame. In the past couple of years that I have been working as a psychiatric screener, I have encountered several individuals reporting feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, rejection, bullying, suicide, self-injury, addiction, and abuse. While these stories are incredibly sad, they have also provided me with hope and inspiration. I no longer look at these individuals as hopeless. There’s undoubtedly hope for the individuals who are searching for help and guidance, whether it be in an emergency room, counselor’s office, or crisis online forum.
Over the years, I have been privileged to hear several stories of the human experience. Some have made my belly hurt from laughing so hard. Others have touched my soul and given me a different perspective on various issues. Some of the stories I have heard have described experiences that have left the storytellers feeling broken and lost. All of these stories and experiences have shaped my outlook on life and provide a way for me to grow in my personal and professional journey.
One of the most interesting stories I have come across came from one of my previous colleagues who had been working with a client who had experienced a great share of trials and tribulations. There were several times my colleague’s client could have chosen to end her life, and he asked her what helped her get through these difficult times in life. She pointed to her wrist where she had a semicolon tattooed on herself. The semicolon represents a pause. It is a reminder to stop and think -- a reminder to keep going as you have so much to be grateful for. Your story isn’t over yet.
Talking about mental health can be difficult. I think it becomes harder when it is not talked about and examined more closely rather than ignored. Project Semicolon has set out to present “hope and love to those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and self-injury.” The movement encourages individuals to tattoo or draw a semicolon on their bodies in support of the message.
As counselors, we want to help clients write their stories to include a continuation. Sometimes it will include pauses represented by a semicolon, and that’s okay. The important thing is that the story continues.
If you or someone you know has expressed feelings of suicide, there are several organizations and resources to help. More information is provided below:
- If you or a someone you know is in crisis or experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts: National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- If you or someone you know is looking for more information, referrals or support: NAMI HelpLine 800-950-NAMI (6264)
- Crisis Services of North Alabama HELPline 256-716-1000
If you or someone you know is in an emergency and needs immediate attention, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.
