19 Quotes by K.J. Redelinghuys

Sometimes, I worry about things ‘ordinary’ people probably don’t even think twice about; but these things feel like mountainous obstacles lying in wait for me.

Don’t invalidate or belittle the thoughts and feelings of others just because your reality looks different. Remember, it’s easy to yell instructions from the sideline, but it’s a whole different ballgame when you are on the battlefield. Judgment and advice are cheap, but compassion is priceless.

Don’t let your negative self-image obstruct the spectacular view someone else has of you.

Please don’t blame someone when their mental health declines. It can be tough to judge when one is deteriorating, even after collapsing thousands of times. Signs of decline are not always imminent. Most importantly, please don’t make a person who tried to commit suicide feel bad or guilty. Trust me, they already feel like the scum of the earth.

Whenever I tried to commit suicide, I didn’t try to kill myself. I tried to bury someone I no longer knew. Someone without a smile, hope, dreams, purpose, dignity, or lust for life.

Attempting suicide is one of the most intense, terrifying, and traumatic things one can ever experience in their lifetime. No human is designed to kill himself/herself.

So, for those experiencing suicidal thoughts, there is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about, be ashamed of, or feel guilty about. Please reach out. Getting help does not make you a coward, low-life, attention-seeking, inferior, weak, unworthy, or any other derogatory terms people may spew at you. Being courageous enough to seek help takes superhuman strength. You deserve to feel better.

There is nothing more devastating thanbeing unable to verbalize something that turns your whole world upside down.

…it’s not only the so-called ‘crazy’ people that end up in psychiatric wards. It’s hard-working, funny, generous, considerate, kind, and burnt out people; people who gave too much of themselves at grave personal risk.