A Crazy Life
Nov 4 · 2 min read

Trigger warning: Suicide

IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU. FULL STOP.

When I have the ability to step back and take a breath, I’ve been observing what has happened since I attempted suicide. I always thought people were generally shitty but it’s shocking, how horrible people can be. As a result of this, I decided to put a guide together for friends, family, acquaintances, employers, employees etc. of people who have attempted suicide and survived.

  1. It’s not about you. None of it is about you. Nope. Nada. Stop. No buts. Nope. Noppity, nope-rope, NOPE.
  2. Don’t ignore them or exclude them. Suicide is incredibly isolating. Keeping a ‘respectful distance’ makes people feel more isolated.
  3. Don’t pretend it didn’t happen. If the person wants to talk about it, just shut up and listen. If they don’t then, leave it. It’s their experience not yours (see number 1).
  4. “What do I say to someone when first meeting them post suicide?” Here are some suggestions:
  • Hello
  • Hi
  • Hola
  • How are you?
  • It’s nice to hear from you/see you
  • Bonjour
  • Just speak to them like a normal human!

5. But what do I say to someone if they tell me ‘I tried to kill myself’?” — Here are suggestions:

  • I am sorry to hear that
  • Are you getting the support you need?
  • Can I help you in any way?
  • Do not start talking about one time you felt down or talk about yourself at all (see number 1)

6. Social media does not count as reaching out. Phones, emails and letters/cards count. Social media is basically saying ‘I can barely be bothered to care about you but since some Harvard (that’s like Oxbridge in the United States) dick head has made it so easy I guess I will use 2 fingers to say hi.

That’s all I have to date but I will continue adding as I think of them, watch this space x

A Crazy Life

Written by

Mental ill-health has defined my identity for years and now I am going to write about it.

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