Mental Health Advocates are at Risk for Suicide Too
No one is immune.
My Truth
I became a mental health awareness advocate due to my own struggles with severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. When my situation finally began to improve (with the help of a psychiatrist and proper medication), I became involved in fundraising for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). I wanted to help others and let them know they do not struggle alone. I also began advocating and fighting the stigma of mental illness via my blog and social media.
Even still, I struggle, but I feel I have more purpose by helping others in similar situations. This has not proven that I am immune to the beast that is depression. Occasionally, I think to myself that I’m only holding on for my son and that anyone else could more easily move on from my death. That is a precarious situation/thought process to have. So, I ask myself: What would I say to someone else in my situation? I wouldn’t tell them that it’s hopeless or that those left behind will be okay. However, when my depression is deep, it’s easy for me to forget to ask myself that…it escapes my mind. Thankfully, I’ve realized this and have made sure I no longer forget. I do this by putting notes to myself everywhere: on my bathroom mirror, in my jewelry box, in my purse, in my car, with my medications, etc. The note simply states: What would I say to someone else?
→More advocates (and anyone who struggles) should have this question posted for themselves because sometimes…they take their own lives, too.
Did you know Amy?
Amy Bleuel is a name you may not be familiar with, but if you are faintly familiar with advocacy programs, you may recognize the name Project Semicolon. Amy founded Project Semicolon in 2013 as a tribute to her father who took his own life in 2003. It’s a nonprofit organization that primarily functions as an anti-suicide initiative.
Project Semicolon’s aphorism is “a semicolon is used when an author could’ve chosen to end their…
