Trigger warnings: suicide, suicidal ideation, mental health, narcissistic abuse, and family trauma.

Episode 33 of Traumatically Speaking, “Stupid Reasons to Stay,” is a loosey goosey conversation where Sloan and Lex get painfully honest about the ridiculous, complicated, sometimes completely irrational reasons they have chosen to stay alive.

From not wanting to give their mother another opportunity to turn their death into narcissistic sympathy, to the tiny inconveniences, responsibilities, people, pets, and random thoughts that somehow become reasons to keep going, Sloan and Lex unpack the strange places survival can show up.

Because sometimes the reason you stay is not some beautiful revelation about the meaning of life. Sometimes it is spite. Sometimes it is your dog. Sometimes it is unfinished business. And sometimes it is simply, “Absolutely fucking not. I refuse to let them have that.”

This episode is not about romanticizing suicidal thoughts. It is about being honest about what survival can actually look like when someone is struggling. Sometimes staying alive starts with whatever reason you can find today.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 anywhere in the United States. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline online. If there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Want a chance to have your story shared on the pod?Email us: ⁠⁠traumaticallyspeaking@gmail.com⁠⁠

Remember: write it like a story — bullet points don’t flow — and send it as a .pdf if ya nasty.

We support and encourage therapy. If you are looking for a licensed therapist visit:https://https//www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

We are not here to heal you, just to keep you company between sessions.

okay love you bye,

Sloan & Lex