Suicide, inevitably, is from a lack of hope. How bad the pain is can most often be tolerated if there is hope of relief.
Depression can cause a person to lose hope, although their perception is distorted from the depression.
But, sometimes, true experiences and a realistic, grounded view can make a person determine there is no hope. That is not depression, that is reality for some.
The message here is that there is much reason for hope. Things are moving much quicker now. CDC is making changes, researchers are working together, more centers are popping up, etc. Progress is happening. We have a long way to go. But, the momentum is building.
Also, one of the reasons for frustration is expectations not realized. Sadly, for our own mental health, we must adjust our expectations of what we expect from ourselves, people we know and the healthcare system. We must focus on what we do have, what we can do, instead of what we don't have and what we can't do.
Many of our fellow comrades have found this place of acceptance, which reduces frustration. Rivka and her That Takes Ovaries work, despite her very severe symptoms. Laura Hillenbrand and her books. Toni, who also wrote a book. And the woman who wrote about a snail eating.
Some do art, some encourage others through the Internet. Some analyze research.
We should also do advocacy, but remember to not let yourself get frustrated when your advocacy efforts don't bring immediate results. It's evolution, not revolution. But the pace is quicker now.
Tina