By Ruwab Khemchandani:
Dear You,
I know you are hurting. I know that there are hundreds of things that are going wrong, and everything feels out of control. I know that it feels like you don’t have anybody. I know that it just feels like there is no way to come out of how you’re feeling right now. But I’ll tell you a little secret? Most of us feel like that at some point or another. Most of us experience the feeling of rock-bottom at some point or another. But do you know something? When you get to that point, when you feel like you’re at rock-bottom, there is no way to go, except up. It can only get better.
I know that right now, it feels easy to think that it will all be over if you end your life; that all that pain will end. But do you know what else will end? Your life. Everything. I know one thing, you don’t want everything to end, you just don’t want to be in pain anymore. My dear, life is a mixture of the good and the bad. Sometimes, there is more bad than good, but there are times when there is more good than bad. Wouldn’t you like to wait for that? How is death, the better choice here? How can it be better when you haven’t even started living yet? Yes, it may be the end of your pain, but it’ll also be the end of any happiness that you are yet to experience. Are you okay with that? Life is only beginning for you. You have so much to do yet, so much left to feel and experience. I hope you don’t let one bad phase affect your entire existence. Life is full of ups and downs and difficult times. And it is only natural to feel that the up period is shorter, and the down period seems unending. But is it true? You know what they say, tomorrow is another day. And tomorrow will be kinder.
I came across these beautiful lines once that I want you to read.
Fifteen years from now you’re going to look back on this. With a sigh, you’re going to ask yourself, “Why?” Fifteen years from now you’ll find yourself sitting in that same darkness you’ve always feared. But this time, you’ll be quietly watching as your daughter’s chest rises and falls as she sleeps. You’ll smile and think to yourself, “My god, I almost missed this.”
So please. I’m begging you.
Don’t forget to breathe.
– Ashleigh Campora
Life isn’t always easy, my friend. There are always reasons to let go. But you only need one reason to hold on. Find that reason in your life, and hold on. I know you have immense courage in you. Be so brave that years later, when you look back, you will feel proud that you overcame such adversity and came out with flying colours. Only you can help yourself. I know that everything feels like the end of the world right now. But what if it’s only the beginning?
Wishing you strength,
Ruwab Khemchandani
The author worked at suicide prevention and mental health counselling helpline launched by the former Superintendent of Police, Gandhinagar under Gujarat Police’s Suraksha Setu Project, called Jeevan Aastha Helpline as the team leader for a year and a half. Based on her experiences at the helpline, she has penned down a letter to the one who is contemplating suicide. It was the best way for her to put across her thoughts, and in a manner that could speak to a wider audience.
*Featured image is for representational purposes only.