A dear friend from Uruguay just made me aware of a short film, The Laughing King (2016), that we all should watch. It addresses male suicide in the UK.
As stated previously, at no greater remove than one person, I know more than two dozen people who have committed, attempted or considered suicide. In the last two weeks alone, I added four more people to that list. TWO OF THEM ARE CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12!!! Several weeks back, another child I know, whom I love dearly, and whom I have known since the age of two years young, was found (thank you, God!) by the mother in the middle of committing suicide! I was suicidal from the time I was thirteen. I waited to act on it until ten years later. I was one of the lucky ones, who was stopped in the act by my loving Mother. When I watched the movie, I wept, for those whose deaths inspired the movie, as well as for their loved ones who have to live with the grief.
Please take the time to view this movie. Please take the time to read the message at the end. God bless you.
Addenda: Since originally posting this on June 18, 2021, i.e. less than 24 hours ago, I have learned of three more suicides at no greater a remove than one person. I have also learned of another child who is a student at the school where one of my friends teaches. Inasmuch as my job brings me into contact with people, some of whom suffer from depression and bipolar disorder, perhaps my sample population is skewed. I have had to interrupt a phone conversation with one of our clients who expressed having suicidal thoughts. I gave that client this choice: “I am phoning either your mother or your counsellor. I’ll let you decide.” The first thing I did after hanging up was to call the mother. The point is this: If someone you know expresses suicidal thoughts, take it seriously. More than once in my life I’ve had to ‘talk down’ people who have reached out to me. At times like these, we are all qualified. As long as we have a hand, and a voice, and a modicum of compassion we are qualified to step in at least long enough until professionals can be brought in. Please, please, please speak up. You and a lot of other people will be glad you did…