This is a true story.
At the start of 2022,I was contacted by a gentleman who was known to my husband.This man was in his early forties and was working as a scientist in the US.
He reached out to me to say that he was considering getting some help to manage his increasing stress levels.
He was going through a nasty divorce and had no reliable family support during that difficult time.
He had just lost his job owing to mounting pressure from the relationship difficulties he was facing at the time.
After one long chat,I offered to support him and work with him for free & he was ready.This was in January 2022.
After that I didn't hear from him for a month.
Then he emailed me to say that he was now working for daily wages in a warehouse somewhere in Kansas.We didn't talk about what had happened to his regular job.He said that he was exhausted after all the gruelling shift work and wanted to postpone therapy.I obliged and offered my unconditional support to this man.
He knew that he could access my help anytime and would not have to worry about not being able to afford therapy etc.
There was then a long gap again before he wrote to me to say that he was not in a state to engage in formal talk therapy.I advised him to simply stay in touch with my husband via phone calls..and he did.
His divorce was finalised and he lost custody to his only child.This broke him further.
In November,I heard my husband speak over the phone to this gentleman again...he seemed shattered and was crying.He told my husband of how his ex-wife had sold his collection of (music) records for $30.These were stored in a storage facility that both of them had access to and was worth thousands of dollars.
This broke him ... he told my husband that music was the only thing left and she even took that away from him.This was how he had perceived his situation.
Following day, we received the news of his death by suicide.
He was suffering for years but what ultimately broke him was something really small and relatively insignificant.Sometimes, when a person has been struggling to stay afloat, battling all kinds of challenges on a daily basis ... he/she does not realise that it is easy for the balance to tip and lose it all.And sometimes ,it doesn't take much for that balance to falter.
Those living alone are at a higher risk of death by suicide.
It’s Not Weak to Seek Help
One of the biggest misconceptions about therapy is that it means you’re weak or crazy. In reality, therapy is for everyone. It’s a way to talk about your problems and figure out how to solve them. It’s a way to learn more about yourself and how to cope with your emotions. Everyone can benefit from therapy, no matter how strong or successful they are.
You Don’t Have to Be in Crisis to Go to Therapy
Another common misconception about therapy is that you have to be in a crisis to go. This isn’t true! You can go to therapy even if you’re not in a crisis. In fact, it’s often helpful to seek therapy before you reach a crisis point. This way, you can learn how to deal with your problems before they become too big.
Therapy Can Help You Address Your Problems
If you’re struggling with something, whether it’s anxiety, depression, relationship problems, or anything else, therapy can help. A therapist can provide you with support and guidance as you work through your problems. They can help you understand your thoughts and feelings, and they can teach you coping skills.
Therapy Can Help You Improve Your Relationships
If you’re having difficulty in your relationships, therapy can help. A therapist can teach you communication and conflict resolution skills that will help you improve your relationships. They can also help you understand why you might be having difficulty in your relationships and what you can do about it.
Therapy Can Help You Achieve Your Goals
If you have goals that you want to achieve, therapy can help. A therapist can help you develop a plan to achieve your goals and they can provide support and accountability as you work towards them. They can also help you identify any obstacles that might be standing in your way of achieving your goals.
Therapy Can Help You cope With Loss
If you’ve experienced a loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or anything else, therapy can help. A therapist can provide support and guidance as you grieve and they can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms. They can also help you come to terms with your loss and find ways to move forward in your life.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Mental illness is common, affecting one in four adults worldwide. And yet, despite its prevalence, mental illness is often stigmatised and misunderstood. Seeking help from a mental health professional can be an important step in getting the help you need.
It’s Not Your Fault
If you have a mental illness, it’s not your fault. Mental illness is not caused by personal failings or character flaws. It is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Seeking treatment can help you manage your symptoms and live a full and healthy life.
You Can Get Better
With treatment, many people with mental illness are able to manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives. Recovery is possible, and there is hope for a better tomorrow. Seek out help from a mental health professional today to start on the path to recovery.
Remember that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that seeking help early can lead to better outcomes.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, encourage them to seek help from a suitably qualified medical professional.
Much love,
Savvi
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