A Cry for Help: Looking Back and Looking Forward
Good evening, everyone,
I hope you’re all well and enjoying this cooler weather. I know I certainly am.
Trigger Warning: This blog discusses suicide and suicidal thoughts.
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and I wanted to share some of my own thoughts and experiences, as well as some information that may help someone who is struggling.
The earliest age I can remember wanting to take my own life was around 12 years old. Those thoughts continued throughout my teenage years and into adulthood at different times.
Looking back now, I believe those thoughts were my way of crying out for help. My family tried to get me support, but at the time it often felt like we were being turned away or not being listened to. It was a difficult period, and there were times when I felt very alone.
Thankfully, things have changed in many ways. While there is still a long way to go, I do believe we are getting better at talking about suicide and supporting people who are struggling. Days such as World Suicide Prevention Day help to raise awareness, encourage conversations, and remind people that support is available.
One thing that is incredibly important is the language we use when talking about suicide. Using respectful and accurate terminology can help reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations. Below, I’ll share an image that explains the preferred terminology and some phrases that are best avoided.
The information comes from Sue Willgoss from Lift Loud for Danny. Sue is a fantastic advocate for suicide prevention and autism awareness, working on both a local and national level. She also helped develop Zero Suicide Alliance training for autistic people, alongside other training resources that are available for anyone interested in learning more. https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerosuicidealliance.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFMSkwycThoUDVOb3h4Y0h3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpuue_xF-FDQ9Y8Oi72VVL3tW-4Jx9bFdE85aVbEIBZOBNhb1SHTxxn0jz8M_aem_CjRY70a6srSBjWuh-3yWdA&h=AUCvUvVrGQGKgfsSHek6IV96PwVL7iUla7JvMOeBzlripk4TtVCFg0pCY1iCd7gIQpr2MMuEbIPi6o6Dnva5d2uFn2Xa3UckLphY7YoBkMa5WQ0j37t0CkKQSDX75yVUVn2do35PqFsxJhWkEcel
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sue, Claire, and Ivan. During some of my darkest times, they listened, supported me, and helped me when I needed it most. Your support has meant more than you will ever know, so thank you.
If you’re reading this and struggling, please know that you do not have to face things alone. Reaching out can be incredibly difficult, but support is available. Whether it’s a friend, family member, GP, mental health professional, or a support service, please speak to someone.
Some useful support numbers in the UK include:
* Samaritans – 116 123 (24 hours a day, free to call) • NHS 111 – Option 2 for urgent mental health support • Shout – Text “SHOUT” to 85258 • Emergency Services – 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger
Thank you all for the continued support you give me. It is truly appreciated.
Take care of yourselves, have a great weekend, and I’ll see you in the next one.
John
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One Response
Dear John
1. Great Blog as usual.
2. The subject matter does need airing. Thank you for the trigger warning.
3. I hope those days are long since gone.
4. I hear a few sites in East Anglia are getting walk-in centres; Sue Willgoss has more information. When I spoke with her last month, she seemed to think there was a bit of time to run on these projects. John told me via WA message that he thinks Mind has the contract. Good work.
5. I, also, have been visited by darkness. I have spoken to a few people who have developed coping mechanisms. And I have developed my own.
a. The conversations in my head intrude at the most inopportune moments. So I angle my concentration to reading signs or labels, anything but listening to the conversation in my head. This is a short-term remedy as sometimes the conversations in my head are quite long-winded. I might add that some of the conversations are alright.
b. Meditation using taught techniques and a mantra. This helps to prevent the darkness from descending. If already descended, call someone or use technique a.
c. Work. This allows me to focus within a tunnel that does not let anything in. I am fortunate enough to have taught myself how to program computers from the age of 12. I am 60 now and still using this method to guide my mind. Other pursuits where you use concentration and willpower might also suit.
6. Thank you once again, John. For the platform and for allowing me on this thread. 🙂
KR
David Robertson
Director
Living with Mental Health CIC