World Suicide Prevention Day - Today.

[Homestar]

I’m not the best with words on this subject, and like others on this forum, myself and my family have been devastated by this when my twin brother committed suicide some years ago. I still find it very hard to talk about, so I’m only going to put a few words here in the hope that it may continue a discussion that has been started here by others before me.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your family, mates, fellow forum members or anyone if you need to. All of us feel down at some stage, life can be a **** – I just found out my Dad’s cancer that he is being treated for is terminal, and he only has a few months to live, so I’m pretty down now, and that is when I need my family and friends the most, and I will be leaning on them at some stage to get through this, but I will, and I’m not afraid to talk about it anymore – maybe I was years ago, but we all learn and grow as we get older.

Sorry for the downer, I will sign off on this one for now, just wanted to get the conversation started. Here is a link that is worth looking at - http://www.wspd.org.au/

If a converation, chat - even a smile or a cuppa with someone changes an action that would have caused so much pain and devastation for their family and friends, then the world is a better place. Keep this conversation going.

Cheers – Gav.

[woody]

If a converation, chat - even a smile or a cuppa with someone changes an action that would have caused so much pain and devastation for their family and friends, then the world is a better place.

All I can say is that you can save a life by taking the time to say 'G'day how are you'. If by talking to someone you think that there is a possibility that this person is thinking of suicide ASK THEM IF THEY ARE CONSIDERING SUICIDE.
All the current research confirms that because you asked them about it, you have not given them the idea!
Remember something pricked the hairs on your neck enough to think it so ask them. If they aren't considering or planning suicide they will thank you for caring enough to ask, and if they are you can arrange to assist them getting help. If you ask the question be BLUNT and use the word SUICIDE, please do not say something like "your not going to do anything stupid are you?"
Use the S word.
If they say that they are considering suicide or have made a plan you need to make a contract with them and tell them what you are doing. Make a contract to ring them or see them in the morning, afternoon, next day at a set time (important) and make sure you keep it and are punctual. Offer to call a service like Lifeline, Beyond Blue etc on their behalf before giving the phone over to them or you can call them for further advice.
If you are concerned for their immediate safety ring 000 for assistance and stay with them until help arrives.

Congratulations - Just like First Aid you cared enough to save a life.

woody

[Jonno007]

Bacicat2000, I am so sorry for your loss and I admire your courage to write about this.

We all struggle to talk to people even the ones we are close to, and it seems that people feel awkward to listen and comfort those who are seeking our help. I think it's our natural instincts to blame as discussing problems with others can sometimes make us think we are exposing a weakness.

The truth is that it's courage that makes us seek help and a heart to give it. Everyone has both of these. Please use them.

[Landy Smurf]

sorry to hear about such terrible things happening. unfortunately way to many do kill themselves and it is something that doesnt get enough attention. i am currently studying to be a teacher and i am going to encourage people to discuss their feelings

[LandyAndy]

Perhaps a time to remember past members of AULRO that lost their battle with THE BLACK DOG.
Andrew

[Albert]

Thanks for starting this post.
I have just been gutted by a mate who hung himself last week. I cant imagine how his girlfriend feels.
And as always, he ones was one of the best!

[jerryd]

A friend of mine recently took his own life too :(

I was only talking to him two days before and there was no indication from him that anything was wrong. In fact we were laughing and joking about land rovers and he was going to help me with my conversion to 300tdi.
But he sent a message to someone saying goodbye, this person thought it strange and notified the police, they found him still alive but in a serious condition and he ended up on life support.
Unfortunately it was turned off after three days.

He was loved by the whole community as he was always involved and helped organize many local events. The whole town was in shock as nobody suspected anything was wrong and I'm pretty sure most of the town was at his funeral.

It's certainly hard trying to understand what makes a person do this.

[wagoo]

I am sorry I missed this thread earlier in the month.
Feelings of depression and utter despair can happen to almost anyone at anytime. Thoughts can turn to suicide at short notice, and I admit it has crossed my mind once or twice in the 4 1/2 months since my dear wife and best friend ended her life.
However, now knowing how completely gutted her death has left those of us who loved her dearly, I can but plead to anyone out there thinking of taking their own life to get help ASAP, because your life is not the only one that you will destroy .
Bill.