CV and mad panic behaviour

[LP]

Well said, Oh Spotted One.

Commenting on suicide, attempted, contemplated or otherwise, is a tricky business as without demonstrating compassion and empathy you could easily come across as cold-hearted or glib. (Talking about me commenting, not you, Spotted One... your words were well chosen).

At the concern of dragging out tired old information, as I have shared on this forum, I am someone who has experienced going to that very bleak place including during our extended lockdown. As an aside, I share this information, perhaps ad nauseam, as you never know who might be reading it for the first time and it just might help them - that is my motive (and don't worry, there are times I share my story of survival and horror and it bores the shizen out of me... but it aint about me, its about who may benefit).

Anyway, I point out that the article said, 'seriously considered.' And that got my attention. Now here is where I have to be delicate and not come across as debunking or trivialising. There are a couple of big steps after 'seriously considered'. 'Seriously considered' tells me someone is likely anxious, depressed and/or feeling that they're trapped or have no options... it's still big steps to the next stages. Many folks at various times of their lives think about sewerage pipe as a way to stop the hurt/escape etc, but statistics on those who 'seriously consider' and then actually go to the next step or two would be very interesting, perhaps even dramatic. Fortunately, though, and though stressed to the max and inadequately resourced & supported, we have brilliant mental health supports in this country; brilliant people in this country to aid folks through dark times. I was not surprised to see that the actual suicide figures for last year were not all that different to the year before. Again, I stress, that is not to downplay the horror of successful and attempted suicide and the valid concern and action to do more for those feeling this way - that's a given.

Often, kinda like C19 taking the elderly, infirmed, immune compromised folks etc, lockdowns can be the last straw for some already struggling with mental health issues. They're brittle, like yours truly, to begin with so stepping over the edge is not such a big move - but that could be anything, to motivate to the next step, not just lockdowns. Improving mental health awareness and support mechanisms is imperative. It has to be a huge priority to support folks during any and all periods in their lives when they 'seriously consider' removing themselves from planet Earth and you'll no doubt find other very concerning issues to deal with, as I mentioned earlier. Personally, as concerned as I am about folks 'seriously considering' sewage pipe during lockdowns (so concerned that I put my dosh where my gob is and actually help out)... I am deeply, very deeply concerned about domestic violence during lockdowns - the damage that does to thousands, annually, is often for life... and generational.

[member=61]Baggers[/member]‍ thanks for the very personal objective summary, so many of us are only distant observers.

You're probably aware of what goes on around suburban football clubs in the headspace issue, one of my own boys has lost three mates from his junior or senior teams. There is an organisation run by some parents who come and talk to clubs as a match day function, I can't overstate the importance of those efforts, talking about it, and how gruelling it is on those who present no matter how many times they repeat the exercise. So many are at a loss on how to proceed, but it's certainly the case that talking is the significant first step.

I'm glad to be still reading your posts.