Working with Thoughts of
Self-Harm

For those struggling with thoughts of suicide, it can feel like a never-ending storm of hopelessness, loneliness, and emotional pain. It can feel like no one could understand the weight of these feelings and the complexity of what drives someone to consider ending their life. No matter how dark things may seem, it’s important to remember that there are people who are trained to help you, and they want to support you. And while it is true that no one can ever really know what is is like inside of you, many have felt similar feelings. You are not alone in feeling this.

Seeking help might feel intimidating, but the first step is simply asking. Know that it’s okay to reach out. You do not have to carry this burden alone. The people on the other side of the phone or chat—whether they are professionals, crisis counselors, or trusted friends—are ready and waiting to assist you. You matter, your life matters, and with the right support, things can and will get better. If you are struggling with these thoughts, especially if you are creating a plan please stop now and reach out. There is no shame at all in needing help after what you have been through.

Many individuals, especially teens and young adults, experience suicidal thoughts due to a variety of factors. For some, it’s an overwhelming sense of pressure—social, academic, or personal—that makes life feel unbearable. Others may be grappling with intense feelings of worthlessness, isolation, or pain from past trauma. Many young people today are also navigating the harsh realities of cyberbullying, online harassment, and sexploitation, which further exacerbate feelings of helplessness and despair.

For others, particularly those in older age groups, the reasons for considering suicide may be different but no less significant. They might be dealing with chronic illness, loneliness, or the loss of loved ones, all of which can lead to feelings of hopelessness. Financial stress, job loss, and relationship breakdowns are also common triggers for individuals of any age.

No matter the reason, one thing remains consistent: the feeling that there’s no way out. Many people struggling with suicidality feel trapped in their circumstances and see suicide as the only option to escape the emotional pain.

Teens and young adults face a unique set of challenges in today’s world. The transition from adolescence to adulthood is already a complex and emotionally charged time, but modern pressures—such as social media, academic competition, and societal expectations—can make it even more overwhelming. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok often create unrealistic standards of beauty, success, and happiness, which can lead to a sense of inadequacy or failure when young people feel they don’t measure up. Technology and digital habits expose us to constant reminders of whatever it is we fear we may not have enough of. It’s a seductive myth.

One particularly damaging aspect of the digital age is sexploitation. Teens, especially, are vulnerable to online predators who exploit their trust, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and violation. This type of trauma can leave lasting emotional scars and heighten feelings of isolation or worthlessness. The relentless exposure to online harassment or bullying further compounds the emotional distress, making it difficult for young people to feel safe or valued. For those in this situation, as humiliating and terrifying as this moment may seem, please realize that nothing is worth your life and your deserve support now. Parents, counselors, or the CCRI Crisis Helpline which focuses on this exact issue and supports those who have been victimized in this way. 844-878-CCRI (2274). You may be judging yourself harshly right now ‘How could I have let this happen?’ but please realize that these predators are extremely practiced in this and it’s very normal to not realize what is happening. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Academic pressure is another major factor. Many teens and young adults feel that their entire future hinges on their academic performance, and any perceived failure can feel catastrophic. These feelings of inadequacy, coupled with intense external pressure, can drive them into a spiral of hopelessness.

At Volo, we encourage young people to understand that what they see online is not the full picture of life. The curated, perfect images on social media are just that—images. Your worth is not tied to how you look or what you achieve in school. You are so much more than any external factor. There is help available, and there are people who can guide you toward a path of healing, no matter how impossible it may seem.

For older adults, the challenges may look different, but they can be equally overwhelming. Many older individuals struggle with feelings of isolation, especially if they have lost a spouse, family members, or close friends. Loneliness, combined with physical health issues or financial stress, can lead to a deep sense of despair.

Older adults might also face regret or guilt over life choices, relationships that have ended, or missed opportunities. The idea of starting over or finding joy again might feel impossible, especially when compounded by depression, grief, or the physical limitations that can come with aging.

It’s important to recognize that these feelings, while overwhelming, can be addressed with the right support. Whether through therapy, community programs, or reconnecting with loved ones, older adults can find relief from the emotional pain they are experiencing.

One of the most common feelings people struggling with suicidality experience is the sense of being completely alone. It’s easy to feel like no one understands or that reaching out for help is a burden on others. But the truth is, there are people who care deeply about your well-being—whether it’s a friend, family member, therapist, or trained professional at a crisis helpline.

The first step toward healing is often the hardest: asking for help. But once you do, you’ll find that there are people who truly want to support you. Professionals trained in suicide prevention are there to listen, without judgment, and to help you find the tools and resources you need to move forward.

Many individuals who have come close to suicide have shared, in hindsight, that they are deeply grateful they didn’t go through with it. Life, when given the chance to heal, can take a positive turn and we work every day to bring you more resources and better help that can support you in growing. These people  found new reasons to live, new connections, and discovered inner strengths they didn’t know they had. The path out of the darkness might feel unclear right now, but with the right support, things can and do get better.

Some people who have been on the brink of suicide offer powerful words of wisdom for those who are in the depths of despair. Here are a few insights that people often share with those struggling:

1. “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” No matter how impossible things may seem, the circumstances causing your pain are temporary, even if they don’t feel that way. Time brings change, and healing is possible especially with good tools and the help which is available.
2. “You can always try again tomorrow.” Some users recommend taking life one day at a time. If today feels unbearable, remember that tomorrow is a new chance. Give yourself permission to take things slowly and seek small moments of relief even when facing a sense of failure.
3. “You are worthy of help.” Many who have been through the worst, stress that everyone deserves support, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are people who want to see you succeed and be happy.
4. “You don’t need to have it all figured out right now.” Life can feel overwhelming when you think you have to have all the answers, but it’s okay to not know everything or how things will work out. Allow yourself to be in the moment and seek help to start unraveling the pain.

People often share their stories about reaching out for help, and a recurring theme is that, once they took that first step, life slowly began to improve. These stories reflect a common truth: many people who once thought there was no way out are now living lives they couldn’t have imagined, full of purpose, connection, and hope. This journey is very human and you deserve to be helped in walking it.

There are many reasons someone may contemplate suicide. For teens and young adults, the most common factors include intense feelings of isolation, bullying or online harassment, academic pressure, and relationship struggles. Young people also face high rates of depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness.

For older adults, common triggers include chronic illness, loss of loved ones, financial struggles, or feelings of purposelessness as they navigate life transitions. In both age groups, trauma—especially unhealed trauma—can play a significant role. Sexual abuse, neglect, and emotional exploitation are common root causes of deep emotional pain that can drive someone toward suicidal thoughts. Shame also plays a strong role. Self loathing is fully expressed in the thought of suicide.

No matter the cause, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the pain is real and valid.

When someone is contemplating suicide, they often feel like nothing will ever improve. The pain feels so overwhelming that it seems like the only way to escape. But countless people who have stood at the edge of despair have found that their lives took a positive turn after they asked for help and started the journey of healing.

There is always hope, even in the darkest of moments. No matter how heavy your pain feels right now, there is a future where you can experience joy, connection, and purpose again. The path may not be easy, but it is possible.

At Volo, we offer support to help guide you along that journey. We strongly recommend you seek additional help beyond our platform. We offer pathways and help for individuals struggling with thoughts of suicide to provide compassionate, empathetic care that helps them process their pain, understand its roots, and begin to heal. While we encourage you to seek professional, clinical support as well—whether through therapy, crisis counseling, or a healthcare provider—we are here to support you on your journey.

Suicidal thoughts can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. The first step toward healing is reaching out, and once you do, you’ll find that there are compassionate, trained people who are ready to support you. Whether you’re struggling with feelings of worthlessness, isolation, trauma, or hopelessness, there are resources, professionals, and communities eager to help you find your way back to hope and healing.

We understand that seeking help can feel intimidating, especially when you’re already in a dark place. But reaching out for support is one of the bravest things you can do. You deserve to be heard, and you deserve to heal. If you just need to chat with an AI chat bot first to practice a little bit before reaching out to a human that’s ok to, we got you covered. We hope that our private and anonymous help can give you the foundation you need to ask for more help.

No matter how deep the pain may feel, remember this: there is hope. Life can and will get better. By taking the first step and asking for help, you’re opening the door to a future where you can experience joy, connection, and fulfillment once again. The journey may be difficult, but you do not have to take it alone. We’re here to help, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Please, if you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, reach out immediately to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HELLO to 741741. Your life matters, and there are people waiting to help you through this.