Sometimes suicide is not a single crisis moment. It can also look like slowly giving up on yourself over time.

Maybe you recognize this in yourself or someone you care about:

• missing medical appointments
• skipping medications
• drinking more
• turning down invitations
• asking yourself, “What’s the point?”

It might not feel like “I want to die.” It can feel more like “I’m too tired to care what happens to me.”

We think of this as a kind of “slow suicide.” That phrase can sound harsh, but it points to something real: when life has been heavy for a long time, it gets harder to keep showing up for your own health and safety.

If this is you, your behavior is not a character flaw. It may be how you’ve learned to survive stress, pain, or trauma. Still, you deserve support before things get to a crisis.

Here are some questions to gently ask yourself:

• How much do I feel my life is worth protecting right now?
• Where do I still feel even a tiny bit of hope or curiosity about the future?
• What is one small step that might make tomorrow a little easier?

Small steps can look like:

• Answering a text from a friend
• Scheduling one check‑up and asking someone to go with you
• Cutting back one drink or one risky behavior this week
• Reaching out to a trusted person and saying, “I’m not okay”

If you see signs that a friend is self destructing or has given up on themselves, you don’t have to have perfect words. You can say:

• “I’ve noticed you’ve been pulling back and not taking care of yourself the way you used to. I care about you, and I’m worried. Can we talk about what’s going on?”
• “What’s one small thing we could tackle together this week?”

Sit with them while they explore options, whether that’s making a doctor’s appointment, connecting to therapy, or learning about local resources. Show up consistently: a call, a text, a short walk together

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, or feels too tired to care about living, local help is available. Reaching out is a brave step toward feeling connected and supported again.

In crisis? Call 988.

Take a screening. It’s quick. It’s free. It’s anonymous.

Learn more about slow suicide from the American Public Health Association.