How I overcame suicidal thoughts with help from PAPYRUS
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, an international drive to raise awareness of suicidal ideation and its devastating impact in communities around the globe.
I have openly discussed my own mental health journey in recent months, sharing insights from chronic battles with obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalised anxiey disorder and depression. It's imperative to talk about these difficult subjects, breaking stigma and overcoming adversity.
The topic of sucide, or suicidal thoughts, has yet to feature on my blog. That changes today as I share my own battles with suicidal ideation and offer a message of hope to anyone experiencing similar turmoil.
In 2018, amid a total mental breakdown, I wanted to give up. I wanted to run away and hide. I wanted to cease existing and unburden the world from my annoying presence.
During one particularly dark episode, my dad called PAPYRUS, a suicide prevention charity, and handed me the phone. My resultant conversation with a HOPELINEUK advisor gave me hope and kept me alive. It was the launching pad for all success that has followed.
A year on from that sinister nadir, I have achieved a remarkable recovery. I'm in a stable condition with a thriving career and a world of opportunity opening up before me. I'm now a passionate supporter of PAPYRUS, raising money and helping to spread awareness of their mission. Their resources have been instrumental in my progress.
Today, I have published a guest blog on the PAPYRUS website delving into even greater detail about my battles with suicidal thoughts and the phone call that changed my life. You can read the full article here, gaining a clearer insight into the murkiest days of my mental health crisis.
In 2018, 1,866 people under the age of 35 lost their lives to suicide in Britain. That's five people every single day. Five wonderfully talented, exceptionally gifted and sensationally unique people every 24 hours. Gone. Just like that.
I could have been among that number rather than publishing my first book and interviewing my heroes. Don't give up on tomorrow, people. You never know what is round the corner.
To continue helping more people just like me, PAPYRUS relies on donations and the generosity of volunteers. A £5 donation allows HOPELINEUK to answer one more phone call, potentially saving a life. If you would like to show your support and make a difference right now, here's the link to donate.
Thank you.
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As a practising NHS GP I wanted to thank you for this article and for the link to the Papyrus website. I’ve already directed a patient to it and will no doubt use it in the future. Thanks again.