Suicide.
I was just looking around on Tumblr, randomly clicking on some people’s pages - reblogged, likes, checking out tags. (Having finished exams, of course I’d do this in my newfound spare time.) And I came across someone’s post about contemplating suicide.
This one user was from Metro Vancouver, he’s a teen, Asian, he seems like a pretty bright kid, and he’s contemplating killing himself. Having scrolled back on some of his posts, I’m assuming it has to do with a relationship.
I really contemplated NOT saying anything, because 1) I don’t want my conscience killing me, 2) I knew absolutely nothing about this guy, 3) I felt it wasn’t my business, 4) suicide freaks the shit out of me. But then I decided to post something to him through his “Ask” box.
It may not be your issue and you may not know the person, and hell, you might even think someone is doing it “for attention”. But there are a few points to remember (thanks, UBC Mental Health Awareness Club!):
1. No one “does suicide for attention”. It’s not a gimmick to get sympathy, it’s not an act to get Followers, or Likes. Suicide is really serious, and while it might seem “whiny” to the general public, suicide comes from a very dark and depressing place in your life. Nothing that grants a thought of suicide is a “first world problem”.
2. You might not know the person, but you could be the one person standing between them and death. Life is awesome, and you need to do your best to translate that to others. You’re not telling them how to live life, but you are telling them to give it a chance. And those words you say might be what triggers them to seek help.
3. Sometimes, suicide can be biologically induced. You might have a case of depression, and not know it - you could not find enjoyment in your everyday life, but be bereft of drugs or alcohol, and not understand why. Suicide is linked to mental health, and mental health is invisible.
This is not a post to say how “glorious” of an individual I am, or that we can all be national heroes. This is a post to tell people to understand what you can do for others in their time of need.
And to those contemplating suicide, remember some things:
- There are people who care about you - they can be complete strangers, they can be family members, friends. Sometimes people don’t express themselves well enough, but you’re not worthless.
- You don’t need to face your problems alone
- There are many resources, please talk to someone because they are there to listen
- Life is amazing. There are so many things to life yet to be explored. I’ve seen people I love trying to cling onto it in their last seconds, so recognize that life is great and should be cherished
- Seek help because help is always there
