Suicide & Social Media

Is it normal to become suicidal after looking at LinkedIn?

This is something I asked myself—and later, aloud to trusted friends—just last week.

Can you relate?

Suicidal thoughts have been a regular companion in my life. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t feel that the world might be better off without me. In the past, these thoughts were a nearly daily occurrence. But now, after nearly a decade of healing, medication, and mindfulness practices, they only surface once in a while. I’ve learned that when these feelings wash over me like a wave, it’s my mind’s way of telling me I’m overwhelmed and just want the suffering to end.

Among other things, I’m a recovering workaholic. Over the past two weeks, I’ve been juggling an abundance of workshops, guest lectures, proposals, and even a day-long music festival thrown in for good measure. Those old tendencies came back: self-doubt and “I’m not good enough” thoughts manifested as doom scrolling on LinkedIn, pulling me into the comparison trap. These are old feelings that die hard.

On top of that, it’s a difficult time for many of us. As someone who is an empath, highly sensitive, and deeply caring, I feel the weight of the world right now. I’m scared and overwhelmed by living in a world beset by polycrisis—the looming election, the uncertainty of whether my business will survive another year. There are so many people suffering, and I feel it all. This is in addition to the internal dialogue I have constantly running through my mind.

Fortunately, the work I’ve done on my mental health has shown remarkable results. I’m grateful for the self-awareness I’ve gained. I can pinpoint my feelings in near real-time and quickly reach out to a friend to talk it through, or use the tools I’ve learned to find a remedy instead of stuffing those feelings down. This hasn’t been an easy path, but it’s been an oh-so-necessary one. I wouldn’t be here today without it.

A dear friend reminded me recently that social media makes us “compare our blooper reel to everyone else’s highlight reel.” When I’m in a good frame of mind, it’s easy to see that. But when you’re already feeling down, it’s easy to forget.

Here’s the truth: I’ve felt the weight of these thoughts. I’ve felt them after scrolling through LinkedIn, and I know I’m not alone.

Today, I’m grateful for the path I’ve chosen to heal, the army of friends and family who fight to keep me alive, and the wisdom to know I still want to keep going. Those thoughts may wash over me at times, but what matters is the actions I take afterward.

On this last day of Suicide Prevention Month, I’m sharing this moment of vulnerability to let you know that I see you. If you ever feel like the train is veering off the tracks, I’m here for you.

Finding Help

If you’ve ever felt suicidal after looking at LinkedIn or any other social media platform, please understand that these feelings are valid—but they don’t define your worth. The curated perfection of social media isn’t real life. You don’t have to match someone else’s path or achievements to have value.

When these thoughts come, I reach out. To a friend, a therapist, or a support line—someone who can remind me that while my thoughts are real, they’re temporary, and that help is out there. If you’re struggling, know there are resources for you, too:

• 988: The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

There’s also support groups, counseling, or just opening up to someone you trust.

A Final Thought

As I continue to navigate my mental health, I’ve come to realize that being vulnerable and sharing my story is the only way to break down the walls of silence and stigma. I’m not perfect, and I don’t need to be—even though LinkedIn often makes me feel like I should be.