Stories
Every story sent to The Reasons to go on Living Project is unique. The stories describe many different experiences and emotions. Some are very brief, some lengthy. Some describe many events, some focus on the author’s suicide attempt. The stories posted here describe themes and ideas that are common to many of the stories we have received. We hope these stories will help you understand some of the difficulties, challenges and changes experienced by people who considered ending their life. We hope you find them educational and inspirational.
We are grateful to every person who shares their story with the Project. As you read these stories, remember that many more are needed for the Project. Every story is important to help us understand the experience of recovery after a suicide attempt. Please consider participating in the Reasons to go on Living Project by sending us your story. To submit your story, click here.
Some small changes have been made to the stories to ensure they are easy to read and anonymous. The stories describe very difficult lives and painful circumstances. If you find any of the stories upsetting, please talk with someone who can help you, or click here to go to the "In Crisis" page.
Story 20 - posted December 16th, 2008
Before I became suicidal, my life was in a word “a mess”. I come from a truly dysfunctional family in which I suffered what at first appeared to be episodes of depression...
Story 30 - posted December 16th, 2008
I first attempted suicide when I was 10 or 12 year’s old. I felt that people would be happier if I were not here. It took me about a year to decide what to do...
Story 1 - posted December 16th, 2008
I realized that I’m a lesbian when I was 16 back in the late '80s. I fell in love with my best friend at school. It was a Catholic school, my family was very Catholic, and I was a regular church-goer and believer...
Story 35 - posted December 16th, 2008
Recovering from sexual abuse and things were really black as I was not winning over the flashbacks nor could I figure out a way to stop blaming myself. On Dec 31, I decided to end my life and had everything ready...
Story 34 - posted December 22nd, 2008
When I saw the poster "The Reasons to go on Living Project" I was a little sceptical. I thought "Great someone is going to speaking about all the things to live for." I felt like this because I feel like I've heard it all...
Story 60 - posted December 29th, 2008
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, a chance to talk about something people don’t talk about often enough. When I attempted suicide I...
Story 39 - posted January 12th, 2009
It is difficult to know where to begin a story like this so, following the King's advice to Alice, I'll begin at the beginning."...
Story 19 - posted March 5th, 2009
My name is Jessie. I am now 23 years old. I grew up in a large family with five brothers, no sisters. My parents divorced when I was three and never got along after...
Story 63 - posted June 8th, 2009
I don't remember a time when I wasn't suicidal - actively or at the very least, passively. As a child, I did...
Story 82 - posted on October 11, 2009
Hi, my name is Sandra and I’m a suicide survivor. Depending on how you count them, I’ve made 4 to 7 suicide attempts...
Story 98 - posted on October 11, 2009
I was done with life. Nothing ever went right. I hated my job at a fast food joint, I was failing every class in college, I didn't have a car, my mother was being a tyrant, my boyfriend was in prison serving a year sentence...
Story 89 - posted on February 2, 2010
My life seemed to be going fine. I was in high school, and I was having fun with friends. Unfortunately I began using drugs. At first I had no problems, but then I started taking a benzodiazepine. It made me feel like I had no worries at all...
Story 103 - posted on February 2, 2010
Before the depression, I was a happy, quiet and normal girl. I had many friends, high hopes for the future, and I felt loved...
We plan to post additional stories regularly - please check back soon.