Geeks vs Loneliness: if you’re considering suicide

If you're thinking of ending your own life, or feel you know someone who is, a few words and thoughts.

Welcome to the Geeks Vs Loneliness part of our website, where we talk about issues that may be affecting some of us. Not every article applies to every person, but the aim of each is to offer at least a tip or two that can hopefully help if you’re in the midst of troubling times.

In this case of this week, so troubling that you’re considering ending your life.

First things first: if that applies to you, please just pause, at least for a few minutes. 

The anonymity that the internet affords, and sometimes projects, means that most of us don’t know each other. That’s a very different thing, though, from not caring. If you’re reading this because you’re feeling there’s nowhere else to go, then, in a strange way, thank you. Thank you for pausing just to read our waffle. It’s very much appreciated. We’re sending, for what it’s worth, a warm, virtual hug in your direction right now.

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In exchange for your time – which is of real value to us – just a few thoughts for you.

Firstly, don’t rush into something you can’t undo. We say that appreciating that you may have felt this way for some time, but please: take as much time as you can. The decision as to what to do in this case can easily be put off. Just try and get through today first and foremost.

Secondly, know that you’re not alone. It’s weird, the internet. It never feels like it’s full of human beings, but it really is. Lots of people consider suicide every year. Most of those people, thankfully, don’t go through with it and find a way back. Maybe you can too?

Thirdly, if you can, talk to someone. It’s got to be worth a try. If there’s a friend or family member, then that’s great. But then, we also get that can be one hell of a leap of faith. Perhaps email Samaritans, at  jo@samaritans.org? Samaritans is there for anyone who is struggling to cope, they’re there to listen and offer confidential support round-the-clock, every single day of the year.

Or contact one of the organisations at the bottom of this article. Even just leave a comment on this article. Every comment on this site is written by a human being: you might be surprised by the people who turn out to be on your side.

Then, just a few practical things. Try and stay away from alcohol and drugs when you’re feeling at your lowest. Maybe head to a library, or a coffee shop, or just for a walk when you’re at your lowest point, and get yourself away from things you can use to harm yourself.

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Please, though: try talking to someone. Human beings can be rotten sometimes, but they can also be quite wonderful. Try to give them as many chances as you can.

There’s no magic wand, of course, but if you’ve read it this far, then we’re telling you something you already know by saying that.

But we do want to say this. None of us know quite what tomorrow will bring. There’s a chance that it might just be a better day than today. And please, please know that you’re always welcome at this website. You can always come and post in our comments, and find someone else to chew the fat with over Jason Statham movies.

Our heart is very much with you. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Now, we’ll hand over to a few groups who offer far more expertise than us.

Rethink can be contacted on 0300 5000 927, from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday. They’re online here.

Samaritans is available round the clock. You can call them free of charge on: 116 123 in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Their website is at www.samaritans.org.

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CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably, can be called from 5pm to midnight, every day of the year. Their number is 0800 58 58 58. Their website is www.thecalmzone.net

These organisations can also be contacted, of course, if you’re worried about someone you know. And please, please, please: don’t be shy about talking to them. They’ve all set up their services because they want to help

All the best to you x.