Let’s Talk About Suicide
Suicide. It’s a word people tend to avoid, isn’t it? It makes people uncomfortable, squirm in their seats, or change the subject. But let’s be real: avoiding the conversation doesn’t make the problem go away. It only makes it worse. And we’re not here for that. We’re here to face the hard stuff head-on, no bullshit, no pretending everything is fine when it’s not. So, let’s talk about it.
I’m a suicide survivor. Yeah, you heard that right. I’ve been there. I’ve lived that dark moment when it felt like death was the only way to live. Sounds crazy, right? But for most people in crisis, it feels like the only way to survive, to escape, is to die. That’s the twisted logic of suicide: it convinces you that the only way out is through the door of death. But here’s the truth: nobody really wants to die. What they want is an end to the pain, the crushing weight that feels impossible to carry another second. I know, because I’ve felt it.
And that’s why I do what I do now. That’s why If You Don’t Quit You Win exists—because we refuse to turn a blind eye to people in crisis. We’re not here to play the polite game of “I hope they’re okay.” No. We’re here to find the hurting, the most vulnerable, and respond with urgency and action. Not tomorrow. Not when it’s convenient. Right now. Because lives are literally on the line.
If you’re reading this and think someone you know might be in this dark place, ask these three questions right now—don’t wait. Call or text them before you finish reading this:
Are you okay?
Have you been thinking about hurting yourself?
Do you need help right now?
These aren’t small questions, but they’re the most important ones. Ask them. Do it now. Don’t wait.
Don’t Pretend You Didn’t See It
Let’s be blunt: if you see someone struggling and you turn away, you’re part of the problem. "But it’s not my responsibility," you say. Bullshit. It’s all of our responsibility. We can’t sit around waiting for someone else to step in while we politely look the other way, pretending we didn’t see the signs. Pretending we didn’t hear their cry for help.
That silent suffering you’re ignoring? It could cost someone their life. Yeah, it’s uncomfortable to talk about. Yes, you might feel helpless. But discomfort doesn’t excuse inaction. If you see something, you say something. If someone is struggling, you step in. You don’t need to be a therapist or an expert. You just need to care enough to act.
And remember: 988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call it. Text it. Share it. It’s one call that could change everything. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Surviving the Storm
Now, for those who are in the middle of the storm right now—if you’re reading this and feeling like death is the only option, I need you to hear me. You’re wrong. I say that with all the love in the world, but you are dead wrong. The pain you’re feeling isn’t forever, even though it feels like it. You don’t really want to die, you just want the hurt to stop. And it will. Maybe not today, but it will.
I’m living proof of that. I made it out. And if I made it, you can too. I know what it feels like to stare into the abyss and think it’s the only escape. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re drowning, to want to disappear. But I’m here on the other side telling you that survival is possible, that life beyond the pain is possible. The solution isn’t death; it’s getting the help you need to keep going. You don’t quit. You don’t give up. You don’t get to take yourself out of the fight.
And if you're at that edge, call or text 988 right now. They’re there for you 24/7. You don’t have to do this alone.
What Can You Do?
Now, if you’re not in the middle of a crisis, here’s what you can do to help someone who is. Look, I get it: suicide is a hard topic to approach. It’s messy. It’s scary. But hard conversations save lives. If you suspect someone is in danger, don’t wait. Ask the tough questions. Be direct. Check in right now. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just listen and be present.
And if you need backup, 988 is just a call or text away. They can help you figure out what to do next.
Our organization, If You Don’t Quit You Win, is all about this: responding to people in crisis immediately, practically, and with real solutions. We connect people to resources, we offer support, and we step in where others don’t. Because in those moments of life and death, there’s no time for hesitation.
The Time Is Now
We’re coming to the end of Suicide Prevention Month, but this conversation doesn’t end here. Suicide isn’t a one-month problem. It’s happening every day, to people you know, people you love. The time to act is now, not when it’s convenient, not when you think it’s safe. If you don’t quit, you win. And right now, winning looks like stepping in, being uncomfortable, and doing the hard work of saving lives.
So, let’s stop turning a blind eye. Let’s talk about suicide. Let’s do something about it. Call or text 988 if you need help or know someone who does.
And to those out there struggling: you matter. Your story isn’t over. Keep fighting.
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Shannon B. Kapp
Founder, If You Don’t Quit You Win