Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and we want to emphasise the importance of opening up and looking after our mental health.
Talking about mental health doesn't have to be scary. Just as we all have physical health, we have mental health too and we must take care of it.
GAVIN’S STORY
At the time of my first suicide attempt, life was perfect, yet my choice was to try to end my life. Luckily, I failed, but that shadow followed me through the coming years and caught me again when life was more difficult.
I thought, “I can't even succeed at suicide; how much of a failure am I?”
I didn't feel comfortable in my own skin, so I vowed to give life one more year; if nothing changed, my fourth suicide attempt would be my final attempt.
That change came in March 2019 when a friend introduced me to Creative Recovery.
Creative Recovery rebuilt my confidence, made me realise what's important and opened me up to new possibilities that brought out the real person in me.
Recovery isn't overnight. It takes time. For the last three years, I've worked hard at keeping the person I've become, but I now realise I was always this person.
Once you find the right crowd, your passion for life will be stronger than ever before. For me, it's about finding the truth inside to strengthen the darker days and look forward to the lighter ones.
Creative Recovery is a charity which believes finding new things to live for and connecting with a safe community can bring a brighter tomorrow. To get involved, email participate@creativerecovery.co.uk or call or text 07916 282 064.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999.
Visit barnsley.gov.uk/AlrightPal for mental health support.
