Thread: For Sarah

Thanks HEAPS Wardy
This is the second time this year us WA AULROians have lost a friend.
WHY is all we can ask.
Andrew

There are many on this forum who deal with it every day... I know because we talk to each other often behind the scenes..get help and talk to someone who will help you work through it.

Mrs hh

Wardy, thank you so much for this. From the bottom of my heart.

I'm going to follow it with a bit about me because most of you don't really have a clue who I am...

Back in January when Chris Hardie went missing I mentioned a little about this. My exhusband was a sufferer of depression. he attempted to take his life a few times and I was able to stop him. When it became clear to me that his volatile and violent nature wasn't going to change I seperated from him and later divorced. When I was a child my uncle chose to end his life (I was 11 at the time) and when I was 13 a fellow student and friend ended her life on the rail lines of Perth.

Depression is the black dog that seems to follow me regardless of where I call home (I don't mean to sound victimised but it's just the realisation I'm having - my point is it doesn't discriminate). It's horrible a horrible condition and it's consuming and it is in no way a representation of the character of the person who suffers from it. It doesn't pick or choose and in it's early forms is treatable and most certainly manageable.
Simon was a loyal man with such integrity. He loved his family and always sought to be the best he could. He suffered these demons for a long time, since he was a young boy. He fought hard and I'm proud he got so far in life.

There is no shame in suffering depression. No shame at ALL. He and I fought his demons together, we found him counselling and we found him new medication. He tried his best. But in the end he stopped fighting and it was his battle to fight.

I really can't thank you all enough for affording me the space to unload. I've just called his sister in the UK and let her and his nephew know. It's the telling people that makes it hardest.

I reiterate Wardy's thoughts and sentiment.
If it ever crosses your mind, talk to someone. Anyone. Preferably ring a specialist Councillor, but failing that talk to family, friends, medical professionals or even strangers (sometimes a stranger can be the easiest to talk to).
To be honest I have had thoughts, but could not bear to be without my kids.
Just reach out.
Makes a lot of other stuff irrelevant.

My wife and I have worked many years in mental health, depression is a far reaching illness that devistates all who know the person suffering it's disese processses. Although funding is not in the forefront when it comes to mental illness their are many dedicated practichioners who can help. Please contact a MHS clinic and ask for their help. I think this disease is as devestating as heart disease or C.A. Mental health is the unspoken illness nobody wants to know about until it strikes their family. Again very sorry for your loss and I wish you long life.

Allan

From depression I had an uncle who took his life, I had a friend who's husband did the same. I employ a very good staff member who fights depression, and is a father of a young family.
It's a wide spread problem and I can sympathise with wardy, LSD, and anyone who battles depression.

On average in Qld alone, one person suicides a day, but one person doesn't die in a car accident per day, however the knock on effect of family and social issues is similar.

Perhaps its worth writing, ringing, or even stalk your local and federal politicians. Enough is enough.

Certainly a much bigger problem than is often recognised.
My wife went through this, but has come out of it, although she occasionally gets down a bit.
Having personal support and someone who can listen to you say anything and still support you is very important.