Over the last 35 years there have been people whom I have had only one opportunity to meet. Why only once?
Because they made life-altering choices that no one saw coming, or nobody fully realised how severe that person’s state-of-mind had become.
Last month I rested my hand on the shoulder of two female friends and asked if they were OK. They were clearly in tears. I recognised those tears. I’d felt that pain.
I didn’t ask who it was, I didn’t feel it was my place. They simply said that a close friend had taken their own life a few nights before. It was a sombre moment.
…
This morning whilst going through emails, I spotted one subject line that started
“On January 10th there will be an In Memoriam for Gi..”
I choose not to mention her full name. I always feel uncomfortable doing so.
My jaw dropped and time stopped briefly. It was simply difficult to believe. If you know of whom I speak, wow, just wow. I met her just once. I watched her sit casually in my mother-in-law’s home, helping with label and postcard designs for her honey business. She had a wonderful smile, she appeared relaxed yet vibrant. I would like to have been a friend.
But alas, that’s not to be.
I was standing next to our 5yo son before I began writing this article. I put my hand on his shoulder and told him…
If you ever see someone at school who looks sad but is not crying, always ask them “Are you OK? How can I help? I would like to be your friend. Would you like that?” When you do this, you will have friends for life.
Deep breath in, deep breath out.
National Help Lines & Websites
Carers Australia
1800 242 636
Short-term counseling and emotional and psychological support services for carers and their families in each state and territory.
Headspace
1800 650 890
Free online and telephone service that supports young people aged between 12 and 25 and their families going through a tough time.
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
A free, private and confidential, telephone and online counseling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
MensLine Australia
1300 78 99 78
A telephone and online support, information and referral service, helping men to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way.
MindSpot Clinic
1800 61 44 34
An online and telephone clinic providing free assessment and treatment services for Australian adults with anxiety or depression.
Relationships Australia
1300 364 277
A provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities.
SANE Australia
1800 18 7263
Information about mental illness, treatments, where to go for support and help carers.
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and Aboriginal Medical Services in each state and territory.
Black Dog Institute
Information on symptoms,treatment and prevention of depression and bipolar disorder.
Head to Health
An innovative website that can help you find free and low-cost, trusted online and phone mental health resources.
Support after Suicide
Information, resources, counselling and group support to those bereaved by suicide. Education and professional development to health, welfare and education professionals.
Stephentrepreneur.com 
It’s frightening how many people we know just slip by, back into eternal cosmic dust. I’ve lost count how many times I was poised on the edge but now, for some reason, in the past 12 months, I’ve decided I won’t be jumping. I wish a few more people would make the same decision. Hugs.
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