Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Prevention is a collective effort. By working together, we can create a supportive environment that helps individuals in crisis find hope and healing. Prevention takes the effort of the one in crisis and those who might know the person in crisis. It takes a community to support the one in crisis and to support their family. Suicidal ideation is not just a crisis of one person but a family crisis. And that family might need the support, understanding, and compassion of their community.

3 Leading Contributions to Suicide

1. Mental health conditions: Such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
2. Social Isolation and loneliness: Feeling disconnected from others, lacking a support network, and experiencing loneliness can increase the risk of suicide
3. Trauamtic life events: Experiencing traumatic events like abuse, loss of a loved one, or a significant life change can contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

About seven months ago I was involved in a near fatal motor vehicle accident. This has led to extensive injuries. This includes fractured larynx, fractured ribs, punctured lung, lacerated spleen and internal bleeding. This also includes fractured back in three places and my left arm broken in three places. As a result of my accident I am also struggling with Post Traumatic Stress symptoms and currently being assessed by a Psychologist which I am forced to pay out of pocket because workers compensation does not want to acknowledge that I could be struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Resulting from my near fatal accident and workers compensation having the tendency to delay my wage loss benefits places me at risk of eviction. I am facing a life long disability as a result.

3 Reasons People Don’t Ask for Help

1. Fear of vulnerability: Admitting weakness or need for help can make individuals feel vulnerable.
2. Stigma and Shame: Societal stigma surrounding mental health, failure, or struggles can lead to feelings of shame.
3. Fear of rejection or judgement: rejection and judgement is a reality that many face when asking for help.

To every resource I find that helps there is a hundred negative reactions

My family and friends would give the shirt off their back to help if they could but the negative reactions directed at my family while I am reaching out for help in ways I have seen others ask for help is heartbreaking. I am reaching out for help in the only way I know how. Please don’t take my case lightly. I am facing the threat of eviction daily because of my near fatal accident and my family and friends are doing everything they possibly can. This is why I am asking for help. The mental stresses of this all has left me struggling with suicidal ideation and because of this I have been reaching out in the only way I know how. I just can’t seem to find adequate support. I even tried to admit myself to hospital. I met with the Psychiatrist for 15 minutes and then they discharged me. I called the crisis line but they told me to call back before I jump. I reach out to organizations for help and they tell me I don’t meet the criteria. I am meeting with a Psychologist for assessment but that takes money that me and my immediate family really don’t have. So I struggle and my immediate family struggles.

I have seen what happens to the homeless. That’s not an option. One way or another that is just not an option. I am reaching out the only way I know how because the alternative is “x”. I wait because there is a sliver of hope that I don’t end up homeless.