WARNING: This chapter may have some triggers.
‘13 Reasons Why‘ has brought up many conversations about bullying and suicide. There are many chapters in my books ‘The Bi-Polar Express‘ and ‘Panic Stations along The Bi-Polar Express‘ about bullying but not enough about suicide.
Writing this chapter about suicide brings up some painful memories and feelings. But maybe that’s the point.
It’s hard to talk about, but it should be hard to talk about, but it also should be talked about.
Everyone gets sad or questions the point of life but when you are so lost and filled with darkness, when all seems so hopeless and you feel worthless, when you are numb to it all and you just want it to stop – your mind may wonder down that dark and dangerous path of suicidal thoughts. A place you may feel is the point of no return. A lonely place that makes you feel like there is only one way out.
I have been to that place, more than once. I hit rock bottom and tried to bow out. I am grateful I was unsuccessful, most days. It’s hard and I get sad very often but I try not to spiral too far down and let the world get on top of me.
I am not Hannah Baker.
There is hope and if you can just hold on another day you will be one step closer to finding your way out of the darkness.
How have you found a way up and out?
What are your coping strategies?
What keeps you fighting?
If you are currently suicidal please talk to someone: a friend, family, doctor, anyone, …
Call Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24hrs a day in Australia)