Ron, thanks for your courage in opening up! It gives others permission to share their stories in coming out of the shadows - including me! Right now. I too, have suffered and struggled with suicide ALL my life. Both of my 2 brothers died by suicide, and it's always been a "default" for me. I've attempted twice and it's been a default -- that is -- until Feb of 2018. I consider my "release" of the spiritual nature. But, regardless, they're gone! I wrote a substack piece about suicide in May. As I was writing, I didn't know if I'd come out or not about my suicidal tendencies. It turns out I didn't. Technically, anyway. But for those close to that world, it's obvious I did. Here's a link. And again, thanks for your courage. If gives others permission.to come out of the shadows. And by doing that it can lose it's power. And it gives people permission to talk about it.. like me...just now. https://eddieburns.substack.com/p/suicide
Nice to meet you, Eddie! Thanks for commenting. I just skimmed your article and, I will read the whole thing soon. Wow, I'm sorry to hear about you losing two brothers to suicide. That hurts. I'm fully convinced we all need to talk about this more. Please keep sharing your story and I'll keep sharing mine.
Wow, this was really relatable to read. I used to be one of those people who was astounded anyone would ever consider suicide. Today, I understand a lot more why people would. What you said about learning about suicide prevention, all the stats, all the techniques and how they meant absolutely nothing in your head—that was exactly how I felt. The vast majority of people still do think suicide is mainly caused by mental illness, and I was educated in that, but none of that meant anything when I was feeling at my worst. And what you said about it being harder to choose to live, instead of die—that also perfectly summarizes how I felt. Choosing to try to be happier and to live is so, so much effort. I'm really glad you had that moment at the car park where you decided you were going to live. I never reached the point of seriously contemplating suicide, but it was in the background of my mind. Another interesting thing I read is that a lot of suicides are people doing it on a whim when there's an easy situation nearby: like walking by a bridge, or coming home and having the materials already ready. When they're forced to go out of their way to plan it or have obstacles, it at least temporarily delays them. So yeah, I guess even if a person has been suicidal, a lot of people choosing to die can be impulsive in that moment of decision. Thank you for writing the piece.
Ron what I like most about your writing is I learn a little bit more about you each time.
When you meet someone you form an opinion. As I read about your life, I constantly think, wow I had no idea.
I joke with my friends, that if I am ever missing just know I would never commit suicide and I would never leave my children. Come find me!
Maybe suicide is the difference between men and women. I haven't ever thought about ending my life, but I appreciate your openness to share your innermost thoughts.
It inspires me to perhaps be a bit more open with others.
I'm glad to hear it. Being totally honest is a challenge, and sometimes I'm afraid people won't want to hear what I have to say, but I'm stepping out in faith that it's worth doing anyway.
Also, you're correct: there is a difference in men and women. According to the AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention), in 2022, men died by suicide 285% more often than women. It's a big problem, and people don't talk about it nearly enough.
Ron, thanks for your courage in opening up! It gives others permission to share their stories in coming out of the shadows - including me! Right now. I too, have suffered and struggled with suicide ALL my life. Both of my 2 brothers died by suicide, and it's always been a "default" for me. I've attempted twice and it's been a default -- that is -- until Feb of 2018. I consider my "release" of the spiritual nature. But, regardless, they're gone! I wrote a substack piece about suicide in May. As I was writing, I didn't know if I'd come out or not about my suicidal tendencies. It turns out I didn't. Technically, anyway. But for those close to that world, it's obvious I did. Here's a link. And again, thanks for your courage. If gives others permission.to come out of the shadows. And by doing that it can lose it's power. And it gives people permission to talk about it.. like me...just now. https://eddieburns.substack.com/p/suicide
Nice to meet you, Eddie! Thanks for commenting. I just skimmed your article and, I will read the whole thing soon. Wow, I'm sorry to hear about you losing two brothers to suicide. That hurts. I'm fully convinced we all need to talk about this more. Please keep sharing your story and I'll keep sharing mine.
Wow, this was really relatable to read. I used to be one of those people who was astounded anyone would ever consider suicide. Today, I understand a lot more why people would. What you said about learning about suicide prevention, all the stats, all the techniques and how they meant absolutely nothing in your head—that was exactly how I felt. The vast majority of people still do think suicide is mainly caused by mental illness, and I was educated in that, but none of that meant anything when I was feeling at my worst. And what you said about it being harder to choose to live, instead of die—that also perfectly summarizes how I felt. Choosing to try to be happier and to live is so, so much effort. I'm really glad you had that moment at the car park where you decided you were going to live. I never reached the point of seriously contemplating suicide, but it was in the background of my mind. Another interesting thing I read is that a lot of suicides are people doing it on a whim when there's an easy situation nearby: like walking by a bridge, or coming home and having the materials already ready. When they're forced to go out of their way to plan it or have obstacles, it at least temporarily delays them. So yeah, I guess even if a person has been suicidal, a lot of people choosing to die can be impulsive in that moment of decision. Thank you for writing the piece.
Ron what I like most about your writing is I learn a little bit more about you each time.
When you meet someone you form an opinion. As I read about your life, I constantly think, wow I had no idea.
I joke with my friends, that if I am ever missing just know I would never commit suicide and I would never leave my children. Come find me!
Maybe suicide is the difference between men and women. I haven't ever thought about ending my life, but I appreciate your openness to share your innermost thoughts.
It inspires me to perhaps be a bit more open with others.
I'm glad to hear it. Being totally honest is a challenge, and sometimes I'm afraid people won't want to hear what I have to say, but I'm stepping out in faith that it's worth doing anyway.
Also, you're correct: there is a difference in men and women. According to the AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention), in 2022, men died by suicide 285% more often than women. It's a big problem, and people don't talk about it nearly enough.