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I wasn't sure where to start. Did I email my personal story of child abuse, leading to inefficient self-taught life coping skills. Which I've now learned to refer to in their true sense as, life saving cover up skills. Did I recount taking my life at 16 and then again at 44. "Taking my life" is the term I use now to explain- I had no intention of verbalising my thoughts, I wanted no intervention. Having been revived, and spending merely 2 days in intensive care, in the most recent event, I was merely told "we can fix your body, but there is a 12 month waiting list to fix your brain"...."please sign here, thereby accepting responsibility for your discharge"..."do you need us to call a taxi". I now laugh and cry, at the thought that such a dimwitted, and uneducated comment would be made to a patient in my state. I've spent over 30 years educating myself, and others who will listen on the issues of Depression, suicide and lack of mental health resources. I've helped teenagers, adults and families understand the issues, and how to help. Due to lack of funds, after loosing my entire life savings, at the hands of a dangerously, manipulating, and mentally ill relative, I can no longer afford memberships etc, or I would be an active member of your Association. I've found the way I can help effectively, and at no cost to me, except a little of my time, I share my life, and councel others who are still suffering via one of the Depression/Mental Health online support sites. I've never been so humbled or satisfied in my life. I've replaced a family that believed, your worth is judged by your achievements, with friends that love, support, and guide eachother to improved well-being. I've faced my abuser, to find he is merely an insecure, arrogant and lost individual, who has no control over my life anymore. I have not exposed him, as he is my brother, and I don't want his family to suffer, his sad and pathetic past. I have a message for parents/adults/carers, that needs to be heeded, PLEASE, don't fob off a child, no matter how old, with an attitude of denial, and avoidance, if they find the strength to express their experiences of incest. "Oh all kids play doctors and nurses" or "no it didnt happen or I would have known", is not a good response when the age difference is 11 years, between the abuser and victim, or at any time for that matter. To VALIDATE means to accept that the persons thoughts and feelings, are being accepted and could have foundation. I'll always be happy to bullet point signs, and symptoms anyone needs, on how to identify a victim of sexual abuse or depression. I would dearly love to become qualified so I could be accepted as "knowledgeable" when it comes to mental health care, and do my part to change our archaic systems, but I simply can't afford it at present, and I'm deemed to old at 45 to be suitable as a trainee. I have been an energetic and succesful Business Proprietor and a Business Development Officer, yet society has decided if I mention in my resume that I support mental health, am 45, yet dont come with the formal qualification to justify their selection criteria, I'm unsuitable for employment. On the other hand, potential employers have advised me, I'm too experienced, and we cant accept that someone would write the truth on a resume saying " I revel in the belief, that to have a job is a privilge". You see my recovery only came about when I stopped hiding the true me, and decided, honesty, and being totally open would serve me best. This way I can survive, it has nearly totally ridded me of the suicidal ideation, I carried for 35 years. I hope it's ok if I make a white wreath of my own this year, and usse it to continue my individual quest for justice, improved support systems and the right to be honest, without prejudice. I recieve no government benefits, funding or support. I've used the last of my funds to buy my medication, health care, and general living expenses. No, I'm not looking for any form of sympathy, I'm merely saying, don't take anyone for granted or label. I'm not what most expect to see, I could live next door, and you wouldn't recognise me. Empathy is key. If you can help reach the hearts, minds and policies of this world. You will be helping me. Mental illness strikes all ages, races and professions. I take accountability for my actions, I'm just saddened by so many reactions. I thank you for your dedication and send my love to all that have loved and lost. Please don't be sad. Peace comes in the longivity of our love. Chy

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My dad commited suicide 7 years ago now, i miss him so much. I still dont know why... So many questions and words were left unspoken, I didnt even get to say goodbye. I would really like to commend this site, i think its fantastic. I know iam not alone, and i do feel for everyone else thats a suicide victim, my heart is with you all. I find it really hard to talk about, well i dont talk about it, i feel so angry inside, so many thoughts run though my mind...did he really love us to leave us hurting like this. The pain is too great, will I ever get over this?? I really really miss my dad, i was 16 when it happened, i do think about him everyday. I love you dad, even if i didnt get to say it as often as i should have. Rest in peace.

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I have formed a very close bond with an Australian family. Recently our daughter took her life and our close friends had heard of the good work you do and referred me to your website. I found it very comforting reading other peoples stories and yet saddened at the same time that these terrible tragedies are happening everywhere. I praise you for bringing this subject out into the open and letting people know and understand the delema family go through. May God be with you all and keep up the good work.