[bpcyclist]

TRIGGER WARNING--S Material

Hey, gang. So, I would like to propose a thread for us on the bipolar forum. As we know, S presents a major lifelong threat to us. I would like us to share our S prevention tools and strategems in order to better support each other. I think it could help us to learn more tools for the box. Because this is quite difft. from the current bp S thread, I would really like a dedicated one just for sharing our skills w each other. If approved, I will of course ask Christina and WC if they object.

Could you kindly let me know? I do sorta think as a survivor of 2 terribly serious attempts that shining light on it can really help us help each other.

Best--

Cyclist

[Skeezyks]

Well... I've never been officially diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. (Actually I've never been officially diagnosed with anything although I've been kicking around the mental health system where I live for over 20 years.) One psychiatrist I saw in the hospital, following my second S attempt, did say she thought there might be "a bipolar element" to what was going on with me (whatever that means.)

Anyway I think a thread dedicated to S prevention strategies could be most useful. I don't know if I myself would have much to offer because both of my major attempts, along with one other almost but not quite silly one, (it's a long story) were spur-of-the moment decisions. (I've told several mental health professionals I've seen over the years that if I were rational enough to know I was in trouble & call someone then I wasn't in any real danger. But if I was really in trouble the last thing I would be likely to do would be to call someone.) However I would presume other PC members would have useful strategies they might be willing to share. I do more-or-less believe that, at this point, I'm done trying to delete myself from this level of reality, so to speak. Hopefully nature will simply take its course... sooner rather than later. But you never know...

[bpcyclist]

I certainly never asked for help...

So glad u r better!!

[DocJohn]

You don't need specific permission to start a new thread in any forum. As long as you don't violate the community guidelines, you're good.

We discourage the discussion of suicide (especially any specific methods or plans), but methods for coping with suicidal thoughts are perfectly fine. You should avoid discussion of specific suicide methods and plans within such a thread.

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by DocJohn

You don't need specific permission to start a new thread in any forum. As long as you don't violate the community guidelines, you're good.

We discourage the discussion of suicide (especially any specific methods or plans), but methods for coping with suicidal thoughts are perfectly fine. You should avoid discussion of specific suicide methods and plans within such a thread.

Oh, okay--thanks so much, Doc John.

[seesaw]

Originally Posted by bpcyclist

Oh, okay--thanks so much, Doc John.

I think it's a great idea, if I understand it correctly, where members could share what worked for them to cope with their suicidal thoughts.

[Open Eyes]

Last night HBO had a special about all the olympic athletes that battle severe depression and mental health challenges and become suicidal. It's called "The Weight of Gold". It's an original HBO Documentary. I learned SO much from watching that documentary and I had no idea how these athletes often suffer through debilitating mental health challenges.

I know that's a bit off topic in terms of wanting to create a thread to discuss strategies for coping with this challenge. However, for anyone wanting to understand or even learn they are not alone when it comes to experiencing severe mental health challenges, I recommend watching this documentary. We tend to think these individuals have it all, when in reality they genuinely struggle to achieve and they definitely pay a very high price to do so. Having an open discussion like this can help people understand they are not alone and that we need to change the feeling that we all have to hide our genuine struggle but instead learn to have a discussion and reach out for help.