"The Promise" is a potential life-changing event or action that one would not typically want to undertake, especially as it may involve several challenges to accomplish. This commitment is made to someone you care about, pledging to fulfill this act before considering suicide or committing an extreme act of violence.
We term this commitment a Mental Safeguard
Its purpose is to establish a mental barrier, impeding immediate actions driven by suicidal thoughts or violent tendencies. The foundational idea is to equip individuals with an alternative course of action to dark thoughts or impulsive violence. It's a fact of life: everyone experiences periods of happiness and sadness. Joyful events, such as landing a new job, can elevate our spirits. Conversely, heartbreaks, like the end of a relationship or the loss of a loved one, can plunge us into despair. Such feelings of sadness and grief are natural, and it's crucial to remember that everyone copes differently—and that's alright.
Our Mental Safeguard aims to redirect your focus if dark thoughts creep in. The principle is simple yet powerful: before acting on any harmful impulses, you must first fulfill "The Promise." This acts as a mental anchor, shifting your thoughts away from harm and towards the commitment you've made. Instead of being consumed by despairing thoughts, your mind can pivot towards strategizing on fulfilling your promise.
To understand the inspiration behind this initiative, delve into the story that sparked this idea, and explore why and how it can transform the way we process our emotions.