50 Reasons to Stay Alive

September is suicide awareness month. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, here are 50 reasons to stay:

1. Rainbows

2. The smell of your favorite flower 

3. Birthdays! 

4. Meeting someone you haven't met yet who will change your life. 

5. 5. The bucket list trip you havent taken yet 

6. Hugs that make you feel safe 

7. A baby's laughter 

8. Waterfalls

9. Changing leaves 

10. The first snowfall 

11. Your favorite ice cream 

12.Falling in love - again, or for the first time 

13. The warmth of the sun on the first warm day in spring 

14. Your favorite book

15. The feel of a cool breeze on a hot day 

16. An adventure you haven't had yet 

17. The taste of your favorite food 

18.A wedding that hasn't happened yet (your own, a friends/family members) 

19. A picture that makes you smile 

20. New traditions and celebrations you don’t have yet 

21. The smell of coffee early in the morning

22. The feel of your softest, coziest blanket 

23. Your pet who is always pumped to see you 

24. The exercise that exhausts you but shows how strong your body is 

25. The magic of a shooting star 

26. A new food you'll love but haven't tried yet 

27. Your friends and family 

28. Milestones - your niece crawling. Your nephews wedding. Your best friend having a baby.

29. A smell that takes you back to a happier time 

30. The changing seasons 

31. The feel of a fresh haircut 

32. The dazzling beauty of a sunrise 

33. The awe of the ocean 

34. The smell (and taste) of fresh baked cookies 

35. Achieving a goal youve always dreamed of 

36. Being the recipient of a random act of kindness 

37. Seeing the joy on someones face when you return a random act of kindness

38. Finding a new favorite song 

39. The feel of crisp, clean sheets

40. Swimming on a hot day

41. Creating something new 

42. Discovering a new hobby 

43. Opening up a brand new book 

44. Rocking out at a concert 

45. Seeing someone you love achieve something they worked hard for 

46. For healing you don't even believe is possible right now 

47. The beauty of the stars 

48. Learning something really cool 

49. The joy that comes with watching a child learn something new 

50. Watching a video that is so funny you laugh until you cry

You matter. Your story isn't over yet.

If you have been carrying this pain, you do not have to carry it alone. We would be honored to help, or help connect you with another therapist if we arent a good fit. This blog is not a replacement for mental Healthcare and comments are not regularly monitored. If you are in a crisis situation, please call 988, 911, or your local crisis hotline (Westmoreland County, PA - 800-836-6010; Allegheny County - 888-796-8226).

We are so glad you exist.