Not many of us have got through life without wishing we could quietly go to sleep and just not wake up. Life would be easier, there would be no pain or suffering and often, we might even wonder to ourselves whether anyone would actually care.
My own attempted suicide was perfectly orchestrated, notes written, belongings distributed, pets cared for. My emotional pain far superseded any fear I had about dying, my concern was more about the indignity of failing!
As with most female suicide attempts I opted for the less immediate pills option. It’s interesting to note that men are around four times more likely to die from a suicide attempt than women. Men they tend to opt for the immediacy of hanging or a shotgun, for which of course there is no turning back.
The highest risk age for males is 40-44. That midlife crisis rears it’s ugly head and for some it really is too much. A staggering 72% of the men had not reached out to a professional for help, whereas around 85% of Women seek professional help at this tough time.
There is undoubtedly a devastating teen epidemic, especially for young men but let’s not forget the all too many middle-aged men and women desperate as their draining hormones and toughness of life become unbearable and insurmountable.
If you’re feeling near the end of your tether talk to someone. We’ve all felt life wasn’t worth living, it’s time to take the shame away and get real. Life’s tough, humans are frail, a truth we must acknowledge with compassion and humility for our fellow men and women.
Reach out to someone you know who’s struggling today. Don’t wait to be asked. Try to avoid offering a solution but instead create the space to listen, truly hear and show acceptance and compassion.
Your compassion could save a life.
But for the grace of God, go I.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#suicidepreventionday #worldsuicidepreventionday⠀
