I would encourage anyone who’s struggling not to feel ashamed because it’s OK not to be OK. There is support out there if you feel able to reach out for it. Suicide happens when people simply can’t cope anymore. It’s not that they haven’t considered the impact on family and friends. It’s just that it’s all become too unbearable.
Sarah was a Samaritans volunteer for four years. She answered calls to the helpline, responded to emails and texts and went out into communities to talk to people face to face. Sarah knows from experience that breaking the silence is important because otherwise people will continue to feel that suicide is the only option. Having a non-judgemental, confidential conversation really does have the power to save lives.
Your support helps to train and support Samaritans volunteers like Sarah. Thank you for helping make sure we can be there to listen when people are ready to break their silence.