Heh, coincidence but after finding out that a friend is in hospital after an attempted suicide today I discovered that today of all days, Sept 10th is National Suicide Prevention Day. Well actually September 7th to 13th is National Suicide Prevention Week.

Pick Up the Phone

International Association for Suicide Prevention

I am a survivor of suicide…

The first time I attempted I was 14 & tried to hang myself with a dressing gown cord from the light fitting. No, it’s not nice, but it’s got to be said. Then came along the self-injury which yeah, I do believe has stopped me from doing it again. Self injury – the anti suicide? But no, do not take that as a “pro self-injury” comment because quite like mass medicating as a prevention, having been there & done that, it’s simply not the answer.

The rate of youth suicides is growing at a pretty darn scary rate. The WHO estimates that 1 million people die in the world each year by suicide. These figures represent an annual world mortality rate from suicide of 14.5 per 100 000 population. The reality is that every minute there are 2 more deaths by suicide.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15-24 & suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among college students. That’s my people, my age group & I’m telling you, it’s frightening.

My attempt was a cry for help, but no-one looked out for me, in-fact, no-one even knew about it until well, Bear came along & even then, he’s the only one who knows next to you lot since I’ve just spilled the beans.

So be aware, keep an eye out & well, you know, take a second to listen?