World Suicide Prevention Day - 10th September

Mary_Scope

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and I just want to take a moment to acknowledge how tough things can feel sometimes and to remind everyone that you are not alone.

Whether you’re struggling with your mental health or supporting someone who is, there is help available and there are people who care. Reaching out can feel difficult but support is always within reach.

Need someone to talk to?

• Samaritans are available 24/7 for anyone who needs someone to talk to. Call for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

Need emotional support by text or phone?

• SHOUT offer free, confidential support 24/7 via text on 85258. I've used these personally in the past and found them quite helpful.
• SANEline are open between 4.30pm and 10.30pm every evening for mental health support and you can reach out to them on 0300 304 7000.

Already in touch with mental health services?

• Please contact your local community mental health team or your crisis team.

Not yet in contact with mental health services?

• You can speak to your GP or use your out-of-hours GP service for advice and support.

You and your life matters. Help is available and it’s okay to ask for it and the community is here for you so please reach out.

Holly_Scope

It's so important to talk. No one should feel alone, especially when things are tough. 💜

66Mustang

I'm struggling with some really really dark thoughts over the last couple of weeks

However, I made a mistake by being too open when I was at my lowest and most vulnerable point. I even resorted to begging for reassurance that I wasn't completely worthless, but received a doubling down on the things that made me feel like I was unworthy of being here, and should just dispose of myself

I believe people perhaps confuse problems with personal choice/preference/opinion. In my case, the assumption is made that the things that trigger my PTSD and anxiety reflect on me as a person, as if they are somehow my choice - they don't and they're not

I just would urge people who aren't suicidal to think twice before commenting toward someone who is. I'm not saying anything is intentional, everyone is eager to put forward their points of view, but just want people to ask yourself if you're happy paying with someone's life just to "win" a debate which will give you maybe 15 minutes of satisfaction

I don't feel alone, I'm really lucky to know some people who understand what I'm contending with and without those people being round me over the last few weeks I'd be dead now

Sorry for bringing the tone down and I'm not speaking about everyone or indeed anyone in particular, I'm trying to share from my point of view rather than point a finger at someone or something… but I wanted to be honest and share my experiences

WhatThe

Hello Mary. Why isn't this an announcement on Page 1? This needs more than a moment on the forum. Thank you.

I got an email from Samaritans today with their campaign for suicide prevention.

Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK or Ireland dies by suicide.   But suicide is not inevitable.

Small interruptions you make and actions you take could help someone who is suicidal.

Watch our World Suicide Prevention film to see how small moments of human connection can be enough to interrupt someone's suicidal thoughts. This film was co-created with people who have experienced suicidal thoughts.

Support for you

What to do if you're the one struggling

Whatever you’re going through, you can call us any time, from any phone for FREE, on 116 123.

WhatThe

My post is in the waiting room. It's a bit sad that this thread has received so little attention on the forum today. We shouldn't ignore it.

Thank you Mary for the information and encouraging people to seek support and talk to somebody when it gets bad.

Albus_Scope

Excellent addition there @WhatThe thank you for sharing. It's a super important discussion for me too, it's something that I wish didn't happen to people.

WhatThe

Hi Mustang, it's vital to talk about those feelings but being understood is another matter. As one autistic person to another, I know how important it is to be understood and how difficult that can be sometimes.

I often think I'm making sense - especially in a text - but then find it's too cryptic or concise for the other person 😄

The people in your life matter more than anyone here and you're not " bringing the tone down" by speaking about something that upset you. It takes courage to keep trying in the face of adversity (imagined or real).