Every day in Australia six people take their own lives. Four of those people will be men.
Take a look at your father, husband, boyfriend, brother or son right at this moment. What is going on with them right now? When was the last time you really talked about how they felt?
Ask the hard question. Do you ever feel like things are so bad you just want to end it? Have you ever thought about suicide?
I read so many stories of women who have no idea that the men in their lives are struggling. Some men are the strong silent type. But underneath the silence they are falling apart.
In other instances, women report that their loved ones seem to finally be getting better. They sigh with relief that things are finally turning around. Then a few days later that person has committed suicide.
So here is another question to ask. You seem so much happier lately, tell me what happened to turn your life around?
I can’t honestly say whether or not it will make a difference. It could be that once someone makes up their mind, nothing anyone can say will change it. But perhaps it will and that makes it worth it. And if the unthinkable happens, knowing that you did everything you could will help you survive.
I love you so much and need you in my life.
Without you, my world would be a sadder place.*
I know that you feel so much in your heart and you are so strong holding it all in and protecting me from your pain.
But I need you to talk to me.
I’m here to share the burden that you carry.
Thoughts can mutate into strange things when they crash around in our brains but they lose their power when we speak them to each other.
There is nothing you can say that will make me love you less.
Letting me see the real you will just make me love you more.
Talk to me.
I’m here for you.
Wherever you are, I’ll meet you there and help you find light in your darkness.
If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide contact
beyondblue 1300 22 46 36, Lifeline 13 11 14 or Salvo Care Line 1300 36 36 22.
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* 10 things you should know before you kill yourself.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh, this post strikes so close to home I got goosebumps reading it. Just last night I was standing in the bathroom with my arms wrapped tight around my husband, telling him I’m here, lean on me, everything is going to work out and you are OK…
Things have been crazy and scary for the last couple years with his health going downhill and unemployment and housing issues and our son going through hard times at school, and the man is seriously stressed out. His father was a suicide, so I’ve always kept a close eye on him, now more than ever.
Thank you for putting this up!
I would like to clarify… my husband’s father *committed* suicide, he wasn’t a suicide. He was a man with a heavy heart.
I just realized that may have sounded insensitive. Didn’t mean it that way!
Sending love and support to you and your man. ((Hugs)) x