E-Book Overview
Because I chose to create change in my mind, I now live an amazing, full life. Yes, I get sad and angry, overwhelmed and depressed, but I no longer wish to die. . . . Read on, and know you can stay alive when your brain is trying to kill you. I’m with you every word of the way.
E-Book Content
How I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying to Kill Me
ONE PERSON’S GUIDE TO SUICIDE PREVENTION
SUSAN ROSE BLAUNER
To you
I thank all who have been my legs when I could not walk and my eyes when I could not see, but most of all I thank Sylvia, for teaching me how to be a person on this planet
Then a woman said, Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow. And he answered: Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears. And how else can it be? The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain. Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter’s oven? —KAHLIL GIBRAN, The Prophet
Contents
EPIGRAPH
v
WELCOME
xi
FORWARD
xii
EDITOR’S NOTE: WHY THIS BOOK MATTERS TO ME ONE
SO YOU THINK YOU WANT TO DIE? Hello
3
The Reality of Suicidal Fantasy
7
Moderation and Time Limits Me
10
11
Finding Life Essence
22
Change (Arghhh) and Choices
25
TWO
OUTTHINKING SUICIDE Breathing
29
The Language of Suicide The Neuron Superhighway The Grim Reaper Brain Style
32 37
42
45
Recognizing and Avoiding Triggers Stopping the Snowball Finding Relief
54
52
48
xvi
vii
CONTENTS
THREE
TRICKS OF THE TRADE Asking for Help
TRICK #1