I know that when you’re feeling hopeless or suicidal, being given “reasons to stay alive” can feel frustrating—even alienating. When you’re in that place, lists like these can sound hollow, or like proof that the other person doesn’t really understand how much you’re hurting.

And honestly… I get that. It can feel more dismissive than comforting.

 

If I truly understood how you felt, I’d know that these reasons might not mean much right now. You probably don’t want to hear them. You might not even believe any of them apply to you. Or maybe you do, but you just don’t care anymore, I’ve been there - the feeling of nothing being worth it enough to stay.

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But I also know what it’s like to need something—even the smallest thread—to hold onto. So these aren’t here to convince you, pressure you, or minimize what you’re feeling. They’re simply here in case one sentence, one idea, or one moment gives you even a tiny pause. A breath. A reason to stay, just for now.

 

You don’t have to believe them.

You don’t have to feel grateful.

You don’t even have to feel hopeful.

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Right now, I’m having a hard time finding reasons to stay alive or things to look forward to. I don’t have some big, inspiring anchor holding me here. Most days, it’s much smaller than that.

It’s my morning coffee, my dogs. It’s the idea of taking a shower—even though I don’t have the energy to stand the whole time, and I have to sit down.

 

Some days, even those things feel like too much. And that’s the truth. This isn’t about thriving or seeing the light yet. It’s about staying. About getting through this moment the best I can, even if “the best I can” looks quiet, slow, and unfinished.

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If you need even the smallest reason to keep going today, I want you to have access to one.

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So here are 20 reasons to stay alive: (scroll down for resources)

1. You haven't met all the people who are going to love you yet. (I know it feels like no one loves or cares about you, but I promise there are)

2. There's music you haven't heard yet that could speak to your soul.

3. There are books and movies that will make you feel understood - that will remind you that you aren't alone. (My personal fav movie is All The Bright Places).

4. Yes, there are nights when the tears wont stop, when you feel like everything is falling apart and there's nothing left, but there are also the nights filled with uncontrollable laughter, when your stomach hurts from smiling so much - and those are the nights to hold onto, those are the ones worth staying for. 

5. There are still parts of yourself you haven't discovered yet.

6. Because your thoughts right now aren't facts - they're symptoms. 

7. Because one day you will experience something so amazing, you'll think to yourself "this is why I stayed."

8. Because there are people you haven't met yet who will feel seen and safe with you.

9. Because someone, one day, will need to hear your survival story to make it through their own.

10. Because grief and trauma may shape you, but they don't define you.

11. Because even in your darkness, you have value.

12. Because there is no one else on earth like you, and that is your super power.

13. Because the world is not better off without you, you have a purpose and everything will be okay in the end, if its not okay, its not the end.

14. Because one day you'll go to sleep and you wont be begging not to wake up - In fact you'll wake up happy and excited (no matter how you're feeling right now.)

15. Because you didn't make it this far only to make it this far.

16. Because this feeling is only temporary.

17. Because the whole point of life is to have fun.

18. Because even on your worst nights, you've made it to the morning.  
 

19. Because people can change and that includes you.

20. Because your life still holds potential, even when you cant see it.
 

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Alberta Mental Health Help Line    1‑877‑303‑2642  (24/7 helpline for Albertans. Provides confidential support, information, referrals.)

Alberta Addiction Helpline    1‑866‑332‑2322  (For addiction, substance use, or gambling issues)

Distress Line (Edmonton area)    (780) 482‑4357  (    24/7 crisis support, emotional support in Edmonton and area.)  (

Distress Centre (Calgary & area)    (403) 266‑4357  (Free, 24/7 crisis or distress line in Calgary & surrounding area.)

Distress Line of South Western Alberta    (403) 327‑7905    (Crisis / emotional support in southwestern parts of the province.)

Rural Distress Line    1‑800‑232‑7288   (Helpline serving more rural regions of Alberta.)

First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line    1‑855‑242‑3310    (National / Indigenous‑focused line, phone & online chat. Available to Indigenous peoples.)

Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline (national number)    9‑8‑8 (call or text)    (For anyone thinking of suicide or worried about someone else. Available across Alberta.)

Kids Help Phone    1‑800‑668‑6868 (or text “CONNECT” to 686868)    (For youth and children; confidential support via phone, text, live chat)

211 Alberta    2‑1‑1    (Community & social service referrals, including mental health supports; free, confidential, multilingual.)

Health Link Alberta    8‑1‑1    (General health advice/information; via phone, including mental health / addiction pathways.)

Indigenous Support Line (AHS Central Zone)    1‑844‑944‑4744    (Helps Indigenous people navigate the health system, ask questions, get culturally appropriate care.)

Family Violence Information Line    310‑1818    (Support when dealing with family violence; helps get to safety, find supports etc.)