An alert “06880” reader writes:
On Sunday I attended my first “Out of the Darkness” event. Over 550 people went to Sherwood Island, for an important cause: raising awareness of, and preventing, suicide.
Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death in adults, and the 2nd leading cause in children.
Over the past year here, many of us have been affected by the loss of someone we know, by their own hand. Included in this list is a teenager, and a police officer.
Sherwood Island State Park, last Sunday.
After the recent suicides in Westport, I was impacted personally and strongly. I suffer from deep depressive episodes, during which I cannot see through the dark forest.
My episodes last 1 to 2 weeks at a time. But the severity increased over the last few years. Finally I could not take the pain and suffering any longer.
A couple of months ago, I attempted suicide, by overdosing on medication. I landed in the hospital. Fortunately, I survived.
Many do not.
It’s hard to deal with the reality that I tried to kill myself. The reason I did not succeed is because someone saw the signs, and called 911. That saved my life.
Fast forward several weeks. I stood with hundreds of other people here in Westport, shining a light on this important cause.
Everyone was there for a different reason. Some lost loved ones to suicide; others lost friends or colleagues. Some suffer with depression, and need the support of those around them.
Some actually attempted suicide, but survived.
You may be aware of someone right now in your life who is suffering, and in so much pain that they want to take their own life.
Be the voice! #stopsuicide
Ask. Call. Help. Support. Love.
thank you so much for having the courage to be open about your depression and suicide attempt. i really think the world needs more people with your sense of courage than false bravado. we are all weak and we all need to look at it and do something about it. depression is a maladie that is often over looked as a weakness or self-indulgence, as is suicide. few people are aware that it is often caused by a chemical dis-balance in the body. thanks again for bringing this out into the open.
I grew up in Westport but now live in Portland Maine. I was touched by your beautiful and honest post and wanted to share a project that we started here six months ago aimed at bringing awareness to mental illness, smashing the stigma associated with it and bringing hope. The Yellow Tulip Project started last spring after my daughter lost her two closest friends to suicide. The Yellow Tulip is the flower of hope and happiness. It also has a special meaning for my daughter as yellow was one of her friends favorite colors and the tulip was her other friends favorite flowers. We are seeing communities across New England come together this fall to plant communal Hope Gardens. We would love to see a Yellow Tulip Hope Garden in Westport and to keep talking about mental illness so that folks know that Hope Happens.
http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/207/yellow-tulip-project-1/340820766
http://theyellowtulipproject.org/
Please do get in touch with us about how to bring the Yellow Tulip Project to Westport.
Thank you!!! ❤️
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Thank you for speaking out!
1 in 4 families suffer with mental illness.
They suffer quietly because if the stigma. Mental illness is the only illness you can not see with an X-ray or blood test. Meds are given only after hearing the persons symptoms- – and each bbrain is different so it’s s long process of trial an error.
On the college campuses, on average 1,100 students die of depression.
Many of the students are from countries where mental health is silenced.
Keep this conversation going!
Break the silence. Break the stigma!
This is an excellent post and I hope it is seen by all those who will benefit from seeing it.
Please be aware of “turningpointct.org”, a mental wellness website oriented towards young people ages 18-25.
Everyone has said and given very good info. I would just like to add that I’m happy you are still with us
It has been estimated that 22 Viet Nam Veterans commit suicide every day.
TWENTY TWO !
When someone running for President says that soldiers who suffer from PTSD “can’t take” the stress of combat, the myth that people who have psychological problems are “weak” is reinforced.
That soldiers, trained to kill, who have a hard time later on with what they have seen and done …….are “weak”.
I get so angry about this.
Of course it doesn’t take a war to have problems adjusting to life.
Depression, chemical imbalance, mood swings , feeling overwhelmed, anger and a host of other things can all precipitate suicidal ideation.
We need to dissociate seeking help / support with shame.
Anyone seeking support through a rough patch can always call the Westport EMS and talk about how you are feeling and what’s on your mind.
These men & woman are awesome, and there to help in any way they can.
Breaking the silence is an act of courage and compassion. I just attended a performance of “Career Suicide” by comedian Chris Gethard at the Lynn Redgrave Theater. Through vulnerable storytelling, honesty, and humor, his show provides insight and an opportunity to keep the discussion going. http://www.careersuicideshow.com/
Takes my breath away. Compassion, awareness, action ….