I have experienced episodes of mental ill health for over 30 years now. Un-diagnosed through many bleak, painful episodes of my young life, 16 years ago, my life changed beyond expression when I gave birth to my first child and my eyes and heart were opened to a perfect, unconditional love.
The Gift
Soon after my daughter’s birth, I experienced a phase of extreme anxiety and depression when I needed professional intervention. My recovery journey began and continues from diagnosis to today, when I continue to connect and share my experiences in positive and life-giving ways. My work is to raise awareness of mental health issues and deliver suicide prevention training throughout Lanarkshire and now Glasgow. I aim to convey the message that those suffering from mental ill health are not alone.
Mental illness can be a crippling and overwhelming illness and for some, sadly, there is no light at the end of the tunnel. I am lucky. I have survived many dark episodes and can write this story full of hope. We must acknowledge and speak out about mental illness and suicide because all it takes is one word, one brief conversation with someone who is in incredible pain and that conversation can help them to go on and save their own life.
That`s right, I said people save their own lives: we are all the masters of our own destinies.
I believe mental illness is one of my many gifts, given to me to share and connect with others to help people save their lives.
• 1 in 4 people will at some time in their life experience mental ill health which can result in suicidal thoughts and feelings.
• In 2016 there were 728 suicides registered in Scotland.
• In 2016, the suicide rate for males was more than two and a half times the rate for females.
Suicide is a difficult and uncomfortable topic to talk about because there is so much shame and stigma attached to it but ignoring or avoiding it costs lives.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Life dealt our family a devastating blow two years ago when on the 28th of December, we learned that a dear family member had taken his own life. A much loved family member whom I had met just the week before - but knew nothing of the pain and turmoil he was experiencing because he was too proud and ashamed to reach out for help. He chose to conceal his mental illness until he could no longer live with the overwhelming despair he was experiencing.
If only he had reached out,
If only I had known.
If only talking about suicide was as acceptable as talking about any other illness
If only.
Suicide devastates families and communities so please investigate and find out more about mental illness and suicide. Educate yourself and go to an NHS course where you will learn life-giving skills and learn how to direct suicidal individuals to appropriate, professional help. Here are some links you may find helpful:
Revelation 21:4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, there will be no more mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.