Originally Posted by
hibsbollah
I have a friend ive known for eight years. Our kids have been in the same class since nursery. He's always been the bloke I immediately have a lot in common with, and have a chat every day in the playground. Last year out of the blue he told me was signed off sick with stress, and he said he didnt really understand what his purpose in life was anymore. I offered him some paid work with me to get him back into the workplace on a gradual basis and in a relaxed environment. I also told him about my similar experiences in the past, how he must get some good meds if he felt like they helped, and explore as many solutions as possible. Getting a good counsellor. Lots of exercise. relaxation. Social contact. Sleep. All that good stuff.
I genuinely enjoyed his company, we went for a pint in the Spring where we argued long and hard about the rights and wrongs of Morrissey and the Smiths, and although he didnt get signed back to work, he said he had a good counsellor and was getting somewhere with her. I saw him in the playground at the end of school term in June, and we said we need to definitely get together with our respective missuses for a pint or something to eat soon. I found out last week that he killed himself over the holidays. Ive just seen his wife, whose appearance has changed in a major way. His two kids have gone back to school without a dad. Noone knows what to do or say.
Im absolutely not posting this as a request for sympathy, or for a general chat about the sadness of the situation. I just want to make a plea that if anyone reading this thread, which i know has become a bit of a self help community in some ways, is feeling like theyve slipped off the edge, or is starting to feel suicidal thoughts, please contact someone. If you're in that position you are bound to feel like no-one cares, thats wrong. Lots of people will care about you, even if you dont realise it. Mental health services are underresourced, yes, but there will be people who will be available to help you. Speak to your GP. Get a referral to a professional. And above all, open up to someone. Just talk. **** it, you can PM me for a chat if you want , although my wisdom will be limited. Almost everyone now understands that mental health issues are no reason to fear you or stigmatise you. People will be sympathetic and want to help. Please dont leave it too late.