Suicide Awareness Day 10/09/12

As you may have heard, today, September 10th, is Suicide Awareness Day. Today is a day for anyone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts to know that options are available so that suicide is not considered the only way out. Not only this, but it's a day to appreciate and admire the inspirational people who have thought the urges to take their own life, and yet still remain with us today. It's also a day to remember those who, unfortunately, didn't make it. According to Wikipedia , around one million people die per year by suicide. That's an incredibly high number of deaths which could have been avoided, and so today is not only to raise awareness for the signs and potential options for those still suffering, but to remember the people who once suffered, and took their own lives as a result of that.

Rather than bombarding you with the facts and figures of suicide, I wanted to take the time to tell you that you have the choice not to take that route. Something I find helpful to consider is that you've been given the chance of life for a reason. I'm not a believer of religion and neither do I believe that each individual was put here to pursue some huge thing to make their life worthwhile. I don't believe that there's one reason that people are alive, or anything to give you the hope of a better future that you were always meant to lead. Instead, I believe that you exist as the result of chance. You are the person you are because genetically, you were made this way. The way you lead this life, though, is up to you. Every decision you make is a result of choice, and every choice you make has a consequence. You can either choose to live an extraordinary life, by fighting the things that attempt to knock you back, or you can choose to give up the huge potential you have as a human being. I urge you not to choose the latter.

 The above is a picture I saw on tumblr, and ever since seeing it I've been using it's advice wherever possible. It's actually a really good point. Any of you who are, or have struggled with suicidal thoughts will know that the struggle that comes with it is difficult. Thoughts are hard to deal with and it's okay that you're not okay. It really is. But I want you to think back to this. Breathe. Take a deep breath in for four, and then out for four. Focus on that, because it's a necessary part of life; it's not optional. Anything else you do thereafter, is. Those thoughts you're struggling with? They're thoughts, not actions waiting to happen. They're ideas, and not all ideas are formed into reality - some are better off forgotten. If you're struggling, remember that you're in control. Suicide may seem like the best way out, but it's not. There is always, always another way, a better way, a way to live and be content with life. I promise you, no matter how bad things get, suicide is never the answer.

Today, I wore yellow in honour of suicide awareness day. I wrote 'love' on my arm to remember someone who suicide claimed the life of. I did these things to show that I care, and that if you need someone, I'm here, always and regardless of circumstance. I did it because suicide is a worthy cause to raise awareness for. I didn't do it thinking it would eliminate the problem completely, but rather to show that it isn't the only way forward and that there are people out there who, while they may not understand what you're going through, they're willing to offer you alternatives, so that you can live your life to it's fullest potential. Suicide is never the answer, please seek help is suicidal thoughts are something you experience. Contact people who can assist you and help you deal with it, but please, never act on it.

Stay safe. <3

Learn to value the gifts you take for granted

Hey there. So, it's been a while, but I'm back! 

It's that time of the year again. September has officially begun and the preparation for the new school year is in full swing. For a lot of you, I don't doubt how much you're not looking forward to that day, the one where you start back at school. For many, the start of the school year isn't the most stressful time of year, however compared to your lovely late morning starts followed by coffee and minimal activity, it's certainly a shock to the system! Not only this, but I'm sure you know well enough that it only gets worse. The stress will be beginning soon. Deadlines are going to be set, no doubt there will be drama going on among your friends, teachers will be on your backs, and before you know it, exam season will be right around the corner again. 

Well, I'm here to tell you not to worry too much. School isn't everyone's idea of fun, however it is, as with everything, what you make of it, so why not make it good? Use this time to get yourself a new attitude for the start of the year. Get yourself some clothes to wear, or, if you have a uniform, some new accessories within your school rules to keep you feeling good and refreshed. Do your hair nicely (don't go overboard, you'll look lovely without!), put on your best smile. If you feel good, you'll have a better day!

Try to keep on top of your work. If you get set a lot of work, schedule it out tactically by doing the hardest/most important/due earliest work first, and leave the rest until later. Don't leave it all until the last minute and stress yourself out, because let's face it, you don't need any more stress than is headed your way, right? 

Try to keep an open mind. If things are hard, keep trying and don't be afraid to ask for help. The new school year means new material, and since you've still got your summer brain in, it'll be hard, but there's no reason to give up on all hopes of ever getting there. Try and enjoy the work, do your research, get into it. If you enjoy something, there's more of a chance you'll do the extra work required, so try your best to make the most out of everything. After all, learning is a gift, and you should treasure it. Knowledge is a good thing, despite it perhaps being a bit boring sometimes.

The most important thing, though, is to keep that lovely smile plastered right across your face. It's okay to not be looking forward to school, but if you try to look at the positives, you'll find it's a lot more welcome than if you shut them out and focus on the bad points! Your friends will be dying to see you and tell you all about their holidays, and I'm sure you'll feel the same way back! It's not all bad, and you really can make the most of it. Remember to keep a positive mind because you've been given the gift of education and you should value that, just as it values you.

Good luck, whether you're staying at your current school, moving on to another one, or starting a whole new stage of education. You can do it, and you can have fun too!