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