I thought of ending my life, but I called the suicide hotline instead.

The never-ending feeling of hopelessness and self-doubt was circling in my head, and I didn't think holding on anymore was an option. The dread of waking up still depressed the next morning didn't seem ideal then. Was it possible that the day this happened could have been the last day of my life? Yes, but I called the suicide hotline instead.

I wanted to end the pain that I thought would never seem temporary, but I called the suicide hotline instead.

The fear inside of me that wore me out to the point of exhaustion, the anxiety, the panic, the depression could have ended that night, but I picked up the phone instead. My fragile body that hadn't been nourished or fully hydrated in days could have stopped functioning completely, but I chose to stay alive instead.

Any hope of a successful future could have banished that night, but I called the suicide hotline instead.

If I took my life, the peoples' lives I have touched since then could be experiencing heartache right now. The hope, the courage, the positivity, and the care I have expressed to the world since then would not exist. The hugs, the kisses, the words of encouragement, and the positivity I have received since that night could have been absent from my life... but I called the suicide hotline instead.

My family and friends could be broken to pieces, but I called the suicide hotline instead.

I could have passed on my sadness to them, but I chose to live instead. I could have never had another birthday, another Christmas, or another good day again. I would have never again heard an "I love you". I would have never felt excitement again. I would never have enjoyed a day again, but I called the suicide hotline that night instead.

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255