i really don’t know if many people read the blogs much, anymore, since the site-change, but i had to at least say something, regarding a news article i read this morning. *sigh i know the stigmas and fear of the mistreatment that occurs, especially when we’re at our weakest moments. This is not about me, particularly. This particular subject encircles all of those who’ve ever suffered from any mental illness, or know someone who has. Since i’m in St. John’s, i can see “Signal Hill,” most of the time, just by looking out my window. It’s an interesting historical landmark, and i can appreciate it for just that reason. i hadn’t heard anything about this in the news, until this morning when i saw an article about it…. In April, i believe, this 20-something-year-old young lady attempted to take her life by driving off the cliff at Signal Hill. She wound up in the hospital, in ICU, and got physically better. She pleaded with the doctors to keep her in the hospital, as she knew she wasn’t mentally well enough to leave. Apparently, one of the doctors actually told her, “If she was going to kill herself, she would have done so, already.” And, then, she was released. She’d actually tried several times before this to commit suicide, but this time, she really wanted to do something ‘more’ with what happened. So, she reached out to someone in the media to help get her story out—or, more precisely, the lack of attention that is placed on the mental health system in Canada. She shared a lot of her experience and so forth with the journalist, and was supposed to meet with her, again, last month. But, that meeting never occurred. Apparently, her ninth try (i believe) was her last, and she is now gone.
From the story i read, the main reason this young lady wanted to get her story “out there” was due to the insufficient mental health system and lack of concern among so-called-professional-caregivers. When she succeeded in her final attempt, the journalist felt the importance of sharing. (i tend to agree. Sometimes, the bad/ugly needs to be vented, in order for anything good/positive to leak through.)
i don’t know what good it really does to speak of this, but i just felt like it needed to be shared. Everyone matters–whether they’re here or gone. We all have a purpose, whatever that may be. She should never have had to suffer the way she did. Obviously, this is just one example of the large number who have had similar trials and left this world without any peace. All i can say basically: love those close to you and do the best you can with what you have to work with. Sometimes, we have to find a voice that’s louder than our own, in order to get our point across. Take care of yourselves. ***Hugs***
i completely get that, Hawk…
My negative experience was a bit different, but it was truly negative, to say the least… i’ve had to “learn” that no one is better—doctors, ‘professionals,’ patients, onlookers—we are all here on this earth and should be treated with a degree of respect. However, some tend to lose that ounce of respect, as soon as they open their mouths… *sigh Others tend to take the weight of so many others’ loads……….
What do you mean she should never have had to suffer the way she did? If she’d got it right the first time she wouldn’t have had to.
I have no sympathy for suicides. Piss or get off the pot I say. Live or die: but choose, and stand behind your choice. Don’t piss everyone around.
If I have a friend or a loved one I don’t want them dead and I will fight to show them they are wanted and needed: but ultimately I can’t stop anyone from killing themselves. And it’s not my job to try. It’s their job.
Shame on you, Bridgie101. Your comments to this story are thoughtless and unkind, at best, and they have no place on a site meant to offer support to those suffering from emotional illnesses. It is people with your mentality that are directly responsible for so many people with mental illness never getting the treatment they truly need. People who say things like what you’ve said are why employers are so quick to terminate mentally ill employees when they need leave, and why it is so hard for mentally ill patients to get good, solid care from healthcare professionals.
The mistake Bridgie101 – and so many others – continue to make is assuming that people who commit suicide are trying to die. That is not the case and this story confirms that. The young woman was literally begging for the help she needed, but her under-educated twat doctors failed her. She clearly needed help with her mental illness, but was probably stuck in a Catch-22 situation where she didn’t know how else to advocate for herself than to send herself to the hospital. Most of the time, suicidal people are only trying to end their pain and suffering. I know that because *I* was suicidal once. Suicide is NOT the answer, but it is NOT THE VICTIM’S FAULT. Using this logic, children are responsible for the abuse they receive because they somehow made their parents mad. If that logic doesn’t stand up in a court of law or public opinion, the stigma against suicidal patients shouldn’t stand up, either.
Wow….
You know, i can truly understand different people with differing opinions, especially where suicide and mental health is concerned. i really had no intention of starting an argument, but IF this will, in some way, get some people to just think about other lives and their worth, then i’m not going to apologize for writing my initial post.
While i don’t share some opinions, i can accept that everyone has a right to their own. And, i, too, have been suicidal, a few times, as well. My family did nothing to help. i had to reach out for lifelines, that wound up being true (physical) friends, as well as online ‘friends’ to help talk me ‘down,’ or keep me occupied. With that being said, my goal is to try and HELP others who may be suffering. Everyone could use an outlet, some time in their lives, without judgment.
There is something to be said for seeking advocates. Sadly, as much as one advocates for one’s self, sometimes some institutions don’t listen because they chalk it up to us being symptomatic or “mentally ill”, which is bullshit but it still happens. This reminds me of a friend I had. She kept saying the meds she was given were making her hallucinate. They didn’t help until it became too much and had to be stabilized. I have been in places where I have had to repeatedly advocate for myself from everything to inappropriate meds to having my boundaries violated by other clients and not be taken seriously. It’s enfuriating and exhausting because you go to get help and end up having to fight for your safety all over again. Mind you, not all places are like this but the fact it still occurs, especially in the public health sector, is very frustrating. One has to be very aware and picky of where one gets help, which I know isn’t always an option but it’s all one can do to try get ones needs met. That’s why I highly suggest to get another responsible, respectful, knowledgeable person as a health advocate. Be it a trusted friend or family member because when one tries and tries but eventually it’s too much, or one is not listened to, there is nothing wrong in searching for another possible resource that can get us what we truly deserve.