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Mental health disorders can be hard to measure, diagnose and recover from. Unlike when you break your arm, you can't get detailed X-rays of someone's pain or determine that they are completely 'healed.' There are conditions that make people at a higher risk of attempting suicide, such as depression, but it can happen to anyone. In 2017, there were an estimated 1,400,000 suicide attempts in the U.S and 47,173 Americans died by suicide.

Attempting suicide once puts someone at higher risk for doing it again, but on this Bored Panda list, you will see photos from people who found happiness after surviving their attempt. One important way that an attempt survivor can reduce future suicidality is to attempt to change their perspective, and through their hopeful messages, you will see these people are on the right path. Scroll down below to see some inspiring survivors and upvote your favs.

#1

3

My boyfriend and I met a year ago in a mental hospital after we had both attempted suicide. Today we're celebrating one year of not being dead

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Kimberly Young
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love the humor! Having someone who understands is a great way to cope.

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#2

48

9 years ago I was suicidal and ready to die, now I’m my week old son’s favourite place to fall asleep.

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varwenea
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Glad he lived, even thrived, and chose to further life via his son. If this isn't progress, I don't know what is.

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#3

2

Two years ago I attempted suicide and was in the hospital for 5 months. The doctors told me I would stay in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. Today, I am riding a bike by the river during my visit to Japan

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sunshine
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I spent 12 years in a wheelchair + am now walking - miracles do happen! Congratulations on your recovery.

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#4

16

I struggled for the past 7 years with depression, self-harm, and suicide attempts that put me into a mental institution multiple times. This last year I've greatly improved myself physically and mentally, and I just graduated and got my bachelor's degree. Never thought I'd live to see this point

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varwenea
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Congratulations!!! Very happy for you and your achievement.

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#5

50

A year ago I was suicidal. Being trans is so difficult, and I thought there was no way I’d be able to pass not continue after being berated constantly for being trans. But here I am, happy as ever, working an amazing job, and now completely covered for surgery that I need. Stay motivated.

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#6

17

I was married to a man who wouldn't let me improve myself so I would stay weak. After a botched suicide, three years of hard work and a lot of therapy I ran my first race and placed 3rd!

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#7

4

Life after suicide attempt. Survivor of mental, physical, sexual and alcohol abuse and even after all that I found light at the end of the tunnel, so you can too

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#8

34

Photo I took an hour ago and the other photo - 21 months ago, different that day. About 1 hour after that photo was taken I attempted suicide. Now why do I share my journey daily? Because I show that change is possible. Look at me hiding behind that smile 21 months ago

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Foxxy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can see that in the first pick the smile isn’t a real genuine smile. It is so easy to try and pretend. The second image his smile is spread all over his face. Such a huge transformation.

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#9

31

I never planned to make it to 18. I attempted suicide when I was 14, then 15, and then again at 17. But I’m here, I'm alive, I'm 18. This is the beginning of the rest of my life. This day is truly a celebration of my life. I'm so glad I'm alive


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#10

9

It's a powerful feeling when things come full circle in your life. 
Four years ago, a very broken me walked the bridge over I-90, every morning at 3 AM, ready to jump. Today a thriving new version of myself stood on that very bridge trying to remember that girl who'd gotten so hurt and lost. 
All I can say is, don't believe the lie 'it gets easier', because truth is, it doesn't. You get stronger, and eventually become a warrior, able to share your scars to be a light to someone else

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Foxxy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t feel it gets easier, it just gets different. You can learn to adapt and find strategies to cope. But putting in the effort of those strategies takes real strength and can be exhaust8ng.

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#11

23

After struggling my whole life with depression and suicide, I graduated high school, got married, got a baby, and joined the military all in one year

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Meeow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Congrats, more happiness will come thru your way, stay strong!

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#12

35

A year ago today I suffered a spinal injury. I nearly died, I spent months paralyzed in bed, I’ve had my heart broken, I attempted suicide. Now look at me, one year on. I don’t just survive - I thrive. My God is good

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#13

15

On the anniversary of my suicide attempt, I saw my all-time favorite band perform live. Life is amazing now and I have never been so happy to be alive

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varwenea
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read somewhere that "Music is the medicine to one's soul." Glad you have recovered and embraced life. Enjoy!!!

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#14

1

Three years ago I attempted suicide because of my chronic depression and a traumatic experience. Now I'm about to graduate high school and as of yesterday I'm three years clean of self-harm

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#15

28

Anorexia recovery. Suicide survivor. I care because I know the hurt - and I share because I know the fight is worth it

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#16

27

I could've ended up as another number in the statistics of teen suicide. Today you'll rarely find me without a smile. You guys saved a life. Thank you

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#17

14

A year and a half ago I spent my 16th birthday in a mental hospital on suicide watch. Now I’ve been accepted to college, have a wonderful girlfriend, a job I’m loving and can enjoy a Christmas with my family. I started living for what make me happy and not for what others said should make me happy

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_
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for saying that in your post; I needed to hear that.

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#18

18

One year ago today, I was in a coma after my third suicide attempt in three months. Today I’m with the love of my life who keeps me laughing through thick and thin, and I’m a year free of self-harm! It is wonderful to be alive

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#19

41

Behind this smile there was pain, behind this degree there is a smile.
I'm suicide survivor, diagnosed with major anxiety and moderate depression. But I’m graduating with a 3.7 and a degree in psychology, this only the beginning

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Meeow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Congrats!!! More success coming your way. Stay strong!!

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#20

51

At risk of sounding vapid, I'm happy at how genuinely content I look in these pictures from tonight. 3 weeks ago I was suicidal & depressed, today my friends got me outta bed and dressed up, smiling and confident for the first time in a long time.

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Meeow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your smile light up the whole room, thanks for your friend keep trying, if not we won't able to see it. Stay strong!

Ashley Harrold
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You should be proud of how you look in this photo, it shows your hard work. You look fabulous and I'm glad to hear your friends are supportive

Miriam L
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keep moving upwards. Always remember that if you felt happy like you felt that evening, it wasn't an illusion, and you can have that again. Keep these photos as a trophy and a source of strength. I wish you all the best

Alex Craig
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shine bright like a diamond... is what I am hearing when I see these powerful photos. Your friends know how powerful you are. And they know the Godess inside you. Shine on.

I Chose To Live Photo Project
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow what a recovery!! Just the kind of recovery story we’d like to showcase in our project in philly

sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You look so lovely, don't let anything, or anyone bring you down, embrace life !!!

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#21

49

After a long year of being suicidal, cheated on, and sexually assaulted, I was finally able to enjoy myself again on a family trip to Disneyland and make new friends. I didn't think it would, but it gets better.

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#22

19

Struggled for years with depression and loneliness. 5 years ago I was convinced I was unlovable and attempted suicide. Now I’m mentally strong, optimistic and engaged to my best friend

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#23

36

Today marks one year since I last attempted suicide and harmed myself. For the first time in a long time I’m happy to say that I’m still here. Nothing is perfect nor permanent and you can overcome any obstacle you face. Things do get better

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sunshine
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just keep putting one foot in front of the other - you'll be surprised at how far you can grow! Good work.

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#24

52

I used to be very unhappy with my life, had a long rough period filled with anxiety and low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts, I hated myself and was about to end everything but I've managed to lose ~36kg (79 lbs), and my life started to change. I am so much happier now, I'm so glad I'm still alive!

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sunshine
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You've overcome a whole lot more than losing weight (which is no small battle in itself)!

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#25

38

4 years ago today I attempted suicide. Today I am 4 years clean from self harm. I am glowing. I am happy. I am loving. I am caring. I am ALIVE

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#26

42

After beating suicide in just one year I graduated from university, launched my own company, bought my first house, found the 2 loves of my life, took myself on my first vacation, got engaged to my best friend.

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#27

26

Both of us have suffered through depression, self-harm and attempted suicide at one point in our lives... So glad we made it through to be as happy as we are today

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#28

8

One thing you may not know about me is that I used to be in the United States AirForce! I was in for about one year before receiving a separation for medical related issues. It was one of the hardest times of my life, as I was battling suicide. In January I woke up in the hospital surprised I was alive. That was January, 2018. I was released in April, 2018. From there I had no place to live, nothing planned, not a lot of money saved up. And yet I found a place to live in a gated community, I found a job, and a beautiful, amazing girlfriend who I see myself spending my life with, and during this year of recovery... I FOUND MYSELF! And what I want to show you is that I want to help you Accomplish whatever your goals are or show you, that you can overcome anything with the right mindset, determination, and tools

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#29

22

Lost my only real friend group and attempted suicide 4 times within the last few months, the last time ending with an infection that had me bedridden for a week. Got to pass my driver’s test today, have an awesome job working with children who are all now my friends! Smooth sailing ahead!

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#30

37

Beginning of 2017- depressed and attempted suicide. This year’s been quite the whirlwind but I’m finally in a better place. End of 2017- mentally and physically stronger

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Foxxy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. You are proof of that.

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#31

30

Overcame depression and attempted suicide, regained my confidence in my goals, dreams, and myself and graduated from CHF

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#32

47

Recently got a job. No longer having suicidal ideation. Enjoying my free time now instead of agonising over it.

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#33

6

Remember at one point I was sleeping under an overpass in Sarnia with my ex because we had nowhere to go living for the high.
As I look around at how far I've come and all I've overcame I feel blessed!

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#34

20

A year ago, I was hospitalized for an attempt at suicide. I was in a ward for almost a month, and had very limited time outside. The day I got out, I went straight to the beach. Now, I can go whenever I want

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Meeow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't be afraid to talk it out and ask for help, look around you are not the only one, with the support and help life would be getting better, hang in there!

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#35

39

I first attempted suicide at age 13. I am now proudly out as transgender, almost 18-years-old and happily engaged to the man of my dreams

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#36

21

After 2 failed suicide attempts before I was 18, today I've got a new lease on life. My best friend and I are about to buy our first house, and I've been accepted into the University for a new start. Here we are a few months ago in Venice

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#37

24

Almost a year since my second suicide attempt and now I found my passion of comedy. I’m 6 months in with a bright future and happier than ever, thank you everyone 

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#38

32

Exactly two years ago today I was in the emergency room for attempted suicide by overdose. I want to thank God for allowing me to see another day and the opportunity to reflect on mental illness. If you’re struggling with depression or anything just know you CAN make it through

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#39

44

After multiple suicide attempts and going through an abusive relationship I'm finally happy again. 

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#40

45

After years of feeling suicidal, I've finally been going to therapy, I've began production on my final short film at university (I'm actually excited to make a film for once instead of degrading myself at how awful I am) I finally feel happy and ready to take on life!

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Foxxy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You’ve got this and all the best with your film making.

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#41

25

A few years ago I was contemplating suicide. Today, I just graduated from high school, have an amazing boyfriend, and got a scholarship to a great college. This is the happiest I’ve been in a long time!

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#42

29

I’m not one to share this type of things, but when I checked my flashback on Snapchat it hit me. 1 year ago, today, was the day I attempted suicide. Today i’m healthy, happy, thriving. Hang in there, your fight is not over. You are not alone. The world is YOURS

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#43

40

A year ago today I attempted suicide. And to be honest today I'm happy I didn't die. Thank you for everything

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sunshine
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm happy you didn't either, just looking at you. Thanks for doing the hard work... you deserve to thrive!

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#44

5

At 18-years-old I committed suicide (more than once) and thankfully failed. One of those times I had the wisdom to surrender and get myself admitted into a mental hospital.
But here is the beautiful thing: despite all this there was a side of me that wanted me to live, thrive and knew clearly what my soul mission was in this lifetime

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#45

12

This smile, the love in my heart, the peace I feel in my soul is indescribable. To those that have genuinely been there for me - thank you! You have no idea how much it helped. I’m still a work in progress but I won’t give up anymore. I will continue to make positive choices, express myself, do what makes me happy, rid of the toxic and negative, and continue to hold on to my faith. This journey is only beginning and I have the right people surrounding me; things will only get better from here

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