I know that my posts are generally quite cynical. Yes, this is because I am a huge cynic but it’s mostly because I really dislike who I am.
Okay, I am determined that this post will be… probably not happy but more constructive to the readers.

I would like to talk about something very close to home for me and for a lot of people- Suicide.

Yes, yes, I know my last post was about suicide. But this is much more constructive- remember?

What do I do if someone tells me they’re feeling suicidal?

Listen to them.

Do not think that they are joking or lying or looking for attention. Take them deadly seriously- this is someones life.

If they’re telling you then you are obviously either very important to them, or if you aren’t close at all, they might not be able to tell anyone close to them and think it would help more to tell someone who doesn’t know them well.
Ask them if their plans are immediate or if they’re thinking about it in the long run.
Don’t judge them, guilt them or get angry at them.
Seriously.
If they’re thinking about suicide then they are probably, if not definitely, feeling guilty about it themselves.
By yelling at them, or judging or guilting you are effectively making them feel quite worse. You may even make their decision final, or more solid.

I think the most important point here is listening.
Take them seriously, ask them why in a non-judgemental way.
They most likely have a lot to say, they may or may not know how to say it but listen to it all.
Let them know that they have you and that you support them.
I can’t stress this enough: Listen to them.
Do not change the subject when you’ve had enough.
This one is extra important.
I’ve had first hand experience with this- trust, it feels utterly heartbreaking when you trust someone enough to tell them and they just don’t care. It’s worse than someone caring so much that they guilt you or yell at you.

What do I do if I myself feel suicidal/ have suicidal thoughts/ am considering suicide?

Tell someone.

Anyone!

Your mother or father or sister or brother- Best friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, teacher, form tutor, doctor, therapist, anyone!

Please do not suffer in silence. Do not repress your feelings of unhappiness or depression; it can only make you feel worse.

You can even tell me if you want to, i’ll listen until my ears fall off if it will help you.

Cry.

Crying can work wonders. I’m not saying that it will change your circumstances or help you in the long run.
Just spend a little bit of time crying, flushing your body and mind of toxins and bad thoughts.
Cry with someone. This can be even better!
When you tell someone, your special person, it might just come naturally.

Remember: Someone loves you.

You might not feel it sometimes, but there is always someone that loves you, that cares deeply for you, and would miss you unbearably if you were not here.
You might not even know that they love you.

Have a cwtch.

For those who aren’t Welsh- have a cuddle with someone you love.
The safety and comfort in a cuddle can be enough to tell you that it will get better, and that you are so, so, so loved.

One more thing-
If you feel unhappy, depressed or just unwell, please, please tell someone.

Go to the doctors or tell your family or friends.

I implore you to tell someone.

There are so many more things to say, lots that are very important but I just can’t fit them all in.
My main piece of advice to those who feel unhappy is to keep yourself busy. Get up every morning, shower and go to work or school or university, do the housework, make your tea, do your homework and go to bed at a reasonable time.
Keep yourself clean.
I know this sounds really strange, but one of the most common symptoms of depression is not looking after yourself- not showering or eating properly (by this I mean too little or too much), staying in bed or in your pyjamas.
It is vital that you keep going.
For the sake of you and everyone you know and love.

Anyone reading this, please link to anyone that you feel could use some friendly advice or someone who might just enjoy my blog.
I really could use a few followers.
Good evening and much love to you all.

Lights Out.