The Mental Health Thread - (Help Contacts in First Post).

[DrVenk]

I’ve been struggling with sleep for a few months now.

Just don’t know how people do it.

I’ve been thinking of setting up a new thread, do you guys think that might help?

I was an insomniac on and off for four years, so feel your frustration mate.

When you say struggling, can you unpack that? Struggling to fall asleep or to stay asleep or get good quality deep sleep or a combination?

[rigoberts song]

Thankfully I've generally slept well.
I seem to have get lots of fresh air combined with a nature walk.
I only drink Friday and Saturday nights and lay off any form of tablets.

[the pink palermo]

Spare a thought for Sinead O'Connor whose son took his own life last week. She, too, is now making dark noises and needs support.

[Tenbury]

How desperately sad. For some the distractions aren't enough, and life is just too hard. But what a disaster is left behind.

[last.caress]

Spare a thought for Sinead O'Connor whose son took his own life last week. She, too, is now making dark noises and needs support.

I think I'd almost certainly follow my son if he killed himself. I wouldn't be able to cope, I'm sure of that. Thinking on it right now, the rational part of me is saying, "Well, what about your wife? Your daughter? Your mum?", but I can't imagine I'd be thinking especially rationally in that situation. Just thinking about it at all is making me feel ill. I feel desperately sorry for Ms. O'Connor; can't begin to comprehend what she's going through, or anybody who's lost a child under any circumstances.

[Samba]

Choose life.
None of us are here forever, anyway.

[Mega Ron]

Don't ever do that to your kids.

[last.caress]

Don't ever do that to your kids.

Indeed, sir. The problem being of course that someone in that state of despair will likely believe that, in ending their life, they're doing a favour to those they're leaving behind.

I've definitely felt like that. Not for a long, long time (touch wood), but I've definitely thought of myself as such a waste of an existence that those around me would be better off if I wasn't alive; including my son, who was a toddler the last time I entertained thoughts of that nature (he's almost eighteen now).

[Mega Ron]

Indeed, sir. The problem being of course that someone in that state of despair will likely believe that, in ending their life, they're doing a favour to those they're leaving behind.

I've definitely felt like that. Not for a long, long time (touch wood), but I've definitely thought of myself as such a waste of an existence that those around me would be better off if I wasn't alive; including my son, who was a toddler the last time I entertained thoughts of that nature (he's almost eighteen now).

I know mate. Me too. That feeling is just indescribable really.

I just wanted to put it into your head not to succumb to it.

My boys are my life. When I read what you wrote I felt the same. If I lost them I'd feel done, I know I would.

However, someone close to me lost their lad in an insanely tragic way. The strength they've shown is remarkable.

[PF.]

Indeed, sir. The problem being of course that someone in that state of despair will likely believe that, in ending their life, they're doing a favour to those they're leaving behind.

My younger brother hung himself on September 9th 2014, leaving behind two young lads (then 6 and 8 years old). His memorandum thread is in The Memorial Ground part of the forum. My old man posted first and I never was able to contribute to the thread. No mention of suicide in it - still more taboo I guess back then.

It was a shock to all of us. We knew he was suffering, but certainly not to the level to take his own life. Even now, I think it was more of a spur of the moment thing when everything just hit him in one massive uppercut - the thing is, we'll never know. Maybe.

He left a note to my parents before he walked into their garage and did it. He also sent to me a text message as I was working in Malaysia (on a ****ing phone call to my boss about something trivial as the text came in, I read it and ignored it). Both of these messages came across as exactly what LC written above.

I'm no expert, but my brother loved his kids more than anything in the world, and there is absolutely no way on earth him deciding to kill himself was to negatively impact his kids or wider family and friends. Martin was ill and clearly mentally impaired. He was on pills and he was speaking to specialists prior to the day he ended it.

My daughter was due just two months later and I know that they would have loved each other dearly. He would have been a great uncle and although he was an opinionated dickhead at times, you knew he always had your back. My son (born 4 years later) has his name and I'm regularly fielding inquisitive questions from my kids about their uncle and how / why he isn't here.

I know I've written some of the above before, and it's incredibly painful to the very core to do so again. However, if any of you (or someone you know) is suffering, then for ****'s sake be there for them. Even if you don't even know them very well - at the very least show compassion and kindness.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is someone who reaches the clear decision to kill themselves aren't thinking clearly and I doubt are thinking of anyone or anything close to them. Be kind, compassionate and show love. It's what we're on this earth to do. To grow together.

And if you're feeling like it's all too much - it probably isn't. And I'm very sure your frame of mind isn't in the best position to determine that right now. Speak to someone. Anyone. And if you feel you can't reach out to those around you, PM me and I'll come to you at the drop of a hat - no questions asked.

[Tenbury]

Massive respect, PF, not least for a really courageous post ( worthy of bookmarking at the top of this thread, IMO).
I like to think that the way we approach life can be a tribute to those we've lost, as such, in a way, they're still in our lives.

Best wishes to you, and all your family.

[rigoberts song]

That's probably the most incredible post I've read on here in 10 years.Tears in my eyes typing this .My best mate took his life this day in Jan 2014.
Thanks for sharing I echo the sentiment talk talk talk the brave ones speak out and ask for help.
It could be a workmate friend family member or Sams.
Good luck if you're struggling .

[rigoberts song]

Samaritans are on 116 123

[OFT]

As is often the case, a simple 'like' seems barely to suffice in response to the powerful and deeply personal words written here, but as an acknowledgement of and response to what has been written, it's pretty much all I've got.

Best wishes all and take care.

[mushy]

I think I'd almost certainly follow my son if he killed himself. I wouldn't be able to cope, I'm sure of that. Thinking on it right now, the rational part of me is saying, "Well, what about your wife? Your daughter? Your mum?", but I can't imagine I'd be thinking especially rationally in that situation. Just thinking about it at all is making me feel ill. I feel desperately sorry for Ms. O'Connor; can't begin to comprehend what she's going through, or anybody who's lost a child under any circumstances.

You are right, all rational thinking goes completely out of the window. One thing that potential suicides think is that they are actually doing their immediate family a favour because they themselves are a burden and who really would want to be a burden to their nearest and dearest?
The mind tricks you into thinking dark thoughts like this at times of severe depression and as you say all rationale goes out of the window.
One stat that people need to be aware of is that statistically you are 100 more times more likely to try and take your own life if a close family member has died by suicide.
It's an awful thing to happen.

[S-H]

I'm currently getting the best nights sleep I've ever had (as an Adult)

No alcohol.
Intermittent fasting.
Cold shower before bed
CBD Oil 4x drops under the tongue, again just before bed.

[mushy]

I'm currently getting the best nights sleep I've ever had (as an Adult)

No alcohol.
Intermittent fasting.
Cold shower before bed
CBD Oil 4x drops under the tongue, again just before bed.

Nice one S-H.
What make and strength CBD oil are you using?

[S-H]

Nice one S-H.
What make and strength CBD oil are you using?

https://www.bristolcbd.co.uk/product/10 ... m-cbd-oil/

[Joyeux Marteau]

I was an insomniac on and off for four years, so feel your frustration mate.

When you say struggling, can you unpack that? Struggling to fall asleep or to stay asleep or get good quality deep sleep or a combination?

Apologies for the late reply DrVenk.

I didn’t mean to hijack the thread but to try to create a resource to help people sleep better.

I find it hard to “get off” to sleep as my mind doesn’t want to stop thinking. I’ve drastically cut down on my caffeine and have upped my exercise during the day. Still the same issue.

I’ve also tried an earlier “bedtime” but I keep dropping off on the sofa with no warning. Although I think this is to do with my arthritis but I’m not sure. If this happens I can’t drop off when I actually try to go to bed.

I’ve bought some cbd oil as recommended by SH and will try it as soon as it arrives. I’m also looking at the cherry supplement as recommended by Burnley.

I have a sleep tracker on my watch and I only seem to get light sleep or very rarely REM or deep sleep. Usually less than an hour of deep sleep and average between 4-7 hours a night.

Weirdly I seem to sleep better if I have a drink. Usually only on a Saturday but nothing excessive a couple at most. Might be just because I know I’m not working on Sunday.

Hopefully I’ll be able to get better sleep at some point.

[Samba]

Nice one S-H.
What make and strength CBD oil are you using?