Today's post of the Day (I know it's only 9am, but I'm not sure much will beat this). From Gemma at My Big Nutshell. Read it. Remember it.
Remember September 15th. I'm going to be talking about it myself on here soon. But for now...Gemma has said it best.
My Big Nutshell: The unforgiven fail. R U OK?: "Australians seem to be really good a cutting people down. Cutting people down then forgetting about them is a well honed skill we have colle..."
Great post, Gemma. Thank you for writing it.
I was asked this question recently. I said "No I'm not and this is why..." Some people just don't get it though. I was told just to keep pushing and it will be all better. No it won't I have freaking long term depression! I was almost comitted the previous weekend! I'm currently broken. Why can't people see that? Just because I can smile in public and crack a joke from time to time doesn't mean I don't go home sometimes wondering whether to step in front of a car or a train!!! Sorry to hijack your blog but I needed to just scream and make sure somebody read it. Thank you.
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I do some telephone counselling with, among other things, people at extreme risk of suicide. And RUOK is about the best question that friends and family can ask.
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ReplyDeleteI checked. You don't have a blog visible, so I'm not sure how else to contact you. I hope you come back and read this.
I have long term major depression and severe anxiety. I have Bipolar 2. I do understand.
I've been in my latest depressive episode for 3 years now. 3 years. (On and off for 10, but the last 3, severe). And every time I see my in-laws, they ask if I'm over it yet. Every.F*ing.Time.
And there are so many times I've thought to myself that it's not a matter of IF I'll 'do it' but 'when' and 'how'. And whether it's kinder to take the children with me. I really do understand.
If you want to talk to me, I'm Melissa Mitchell on FB, The Things I'd Tell You on FB, Melissa4444 on Twitter or melissa.mitchell@live.com.au
I mean it. Use any of these, if you ever want to talk, rant, scream. Just have someone to 'listen'. Please don't dismiss this as trite or an empty promise. I mean it.
Thanks guys. I just needed to sprout off. I'm setting up a mental health plan with my doctor and seeing a counselor next week. Also recently upped my escitalopram to 20mg. The blog just reminded me of a conversation I had on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteSonrahjacksar: I am so so sorry. No body tells a person with a broken leg to hop to it and basically ignore it, but we do tell people with mental illnesses pretty much that. 'Snap out of it' 'Pull yourself together'. Aaargh.
ReplyDeleteAnd re my previous comment: Family and friends asking the question is essential, BUT IT ONLY HELPS IF THEY LISTEN.
Sorry Melissa, this looks like it is going to be a long comment. Feel free to not publish it.
In my experience people who commit or try to commit suicide not because they want to die, but because they cannot see any other way to make the pain (physical, mental, emotional, social) to stop. Permanently.
Thanks Melissa for sharing this post on your blog. This issue has such a tremendous impact on so many lives. I think a big part of R U OK? Day is about listening and seeing. The half arsed are you OK and not watching and listening is not enough. People need more and they need to be able to say that they aren't OK and believe people will listen and support them.
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