World Suicide Prevention Day

[herbavore]

There are many ways to look at suicide from the outside, in the abstract. Many of us hold differing philosophies about ending one's own life, whether it is noble or selfish, cowardly or courageous, selfish or selfless. This thread is not intended to be a discussion about any of those opinions. (Philosophy and Spirituality is probably the best forum for an intellectual discussion of opinions about suicide). This thread is simply to acknowledge that many of us here have been affected by suicidal thoughts ourselves or have lost family members or friends to suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day is a day of remembrance for those who took their own lives as well as a call to focus awareness on the mental health issues like depression, anxiety, bipolar and schizophrenia and the stigmas associated with themthat contribute to suicide.

Here is the link that talks about the mission of World Suicide Day, which is September 10th.

If you would like to take part in a walk to raise funds or simply to show your support for raising awareness here is a link to more information.


herbavore

 

[hthr007]

Great info, and it's great to have a day like that.

I'll be lighting my candle ❤

 

[ocean]

Thank you Herby

 

[Serotonin101]

Thanks Herbavore. As someone who has attempted (and survived) numerous times, I'm happy there's a day for awareness. =) I'll be lighting a candle as well for everyone who has been affected by suicide. And for everyone here in TDS who has been affected by suicide, my heart goes out to you, I love each and every one of you here =)

 

[herbavore]

^ I am so glad that you survived. I noticed that they have testimonials on the site from survivors. Maybe your experience would help give some hope to others.

 

[Serotonin101]

As soon as i get to my computer ill do just that. thanks for the idea darling. I would love to give back to the world (its international, ive never thought to contribute to something so large) and help others make it through just one more day, or for a family member to shed one less tear of sadness. A good friend of mine is going to a psych ward today as he relapsed in drug court again and is suicidal.

 

[Pagey]

Serotonin if you find the link to give your testimonial I'd be happy to get it, I can't find it but I'd like to share my own experience

 

[herbavore]

OK< I feel like I am either crazy or having false memory syndrome! I went back and searched the links and I cannot find the testimonial I read. I know that I read one! By a young man. I am going to keep searching but if either of you find my mythic link would you let us all know????

In the meantime here are some other ACTUAL links:

http://www.save.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=EBC94492-7E90-9BD4-CFD0E103C4B5067B

http://www.neflsurvivors.org/testimonials.aspx

http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=FF1A0F15-D2AD-1355-4F00BDC24A3418DD

 

[Serotonin101]

*sigh* heard the 2 songs i that i want played at my funeral today. Always puts me in one of "those moods" ya know? Also read a story in na today (titled life and death in na) that really gets me. I have so much in common with the author's son...

 

[ocean]

As a daughter of suicide loss, I am passionate about bringing awareness and support to those not only in need of assistance themselves, but also for family and friends of people who have both taken their life, and/or are suicidal.
I am going to share a few links here for sites you can visit for more information on 'prevention' , how you can help, and how you can learn to cope with the loss of a loved one in this tragic way.

You matter. <---- Website on how to help prevent and raise awareness. Numbers to call if you're in need of help.
SAVE <-----Prevention, information on depression and suicide, hotlines and support for family and friends left behind.
Help and guidance for military members, including phone numbers for assistance through the US military
American Association of Suicidology <--- A lot of great information
International site <---- Worldwide Support
hNational Suicide Prevention Week Activites listed here <---includes links to free webinars
World Health<-- Interesting read
TWLOHA


TDS's Mental Health Resources/hotlines thread- worldwide information.

Phone numbers for hotlines and places to reach out regarding depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
Mental Health America 703-684-7722
Anxiety Disorders Association of America 301-231-9350
American Psychological Association 202-336-5500
American Psychiatric Association 202-682-6000
National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association 312-642-0049
National Alliance on Mental Illness 703-524-7600

 

[pharmakos]

i attempted suicide in march of last year

still think about it a lot

dante's inferno says this about suicide (from wikipedia)

In this ring are the suicides (the violent against self), who are transformed into gnarled thorny bushes and trees and then fed upon by Harpies. Dante breaks a twig off one of the bushes and from the broken, bleeding, branch hears the tale of Pietro della Vigne, who committed suicide after falling out of favour with Emperor Frederick II (his presence here, rather than in the ninth circle, indicates that Dante believes that the accusations made against him were false[28]). Also here are Lano da Siena and Jacopo da Sant' Andrea. The trees are a metaphor for the state of mind in which suicide is committed.[29] Dante learns that these suicides, unique among the dead, will not be corporally resurrected after the final judgement since they gave away their bodies through suicide. Instead they will maintain their bushy form, with their own corpses hanging from the thorny limbs.

sounds like maybe the worst fate imaginable

i just try and think about that and the movie "wristcutters"

 

[indybreaker]

I have had quite a few friends and relatives end their lives through suicide. Ive attempted several times, but the dark side forum has been very helpful and positive. I will be lighting my candle and holding my family extra tight tonight xo

 

[MissNervosa]

I've attempted suicide a few times too,the last time being 2 years ago.I've also counselled many suicidal people and talked them out of it.

I lit a candle and wrote love on my arm too

 

[herbavore]

I had a very sweet moment last night thinking of all the people scattered over the world taking a moment to light a candle and being contemplative about life, about darkness and light, about themselves maybe. Watching a candle flame is a very meditative thing to do. I thought about you a lot< Ocean, you and your mother and the strength and grace you both have.

 

[Missykins]

Take it from me, as someone who tried to take their own life in April via an overdose, being suicidal it's simply no way to go through life. I know how it is to know that you need help but not to reach out for it when you're on the brink, but God help you, find the courage within you to do so.

 

[ocean]

Thank you Herby
It means so much to me that you thought of us.
I had a hard day yesterday but feel good today so maybe your positive vibes are working for me
Hopefully they keep working b/c his birthday is on Friday and I know it's going to be a difficult day.


I'm sorry to hear that indy, MissN, Missykins and TNW have all been in similar positions.

TNW- the quote you gave is something I struggle with. I hope that for the people who believe in that, it helps them to not follow through with hurting themselves. For me, it's been a huge weight....I've decided to let go of the thought of my fathers soul possibly being in some purgatory of sorts. I'll be honest....I read your post last night and it hurt. I couldn't respond at the time.
I am not a follower of the Christian faith and believe that a Good Christian God, or any higher power would not damn a person based on them choosing to end their life due to the pain they're in....but we just never know. There is always a possibility, right?
After my father died I went through a very long period of time where I questioned all faiths and the afterlife.

Life is a beautiful gift.
Sometimes we need the reminder....and sometimes, as horrible as losing someone to suicide is, and surviving an attempt is, it is a good reminder and wake up call. My father was such an intense and powerful presence, the energy he carried while alive just suddenly being absent from my life has reminded me to appreciate the time I have.

Anyway, moving on.....
My mother and I yesterday:

 

[pharmakos]

^ sorry. it hurts me too, for what its worth.