None of the above

Volumes have been written on the tell tale signs of a suicidal crisis. Whilst this information is both valid and valuable it is not all embracing.

Like many things in life, one size does not fit all.

All too often, (and for a wide variety of reasons) a large percentage of us learn from a very early age to say nothing. To swallow the pain, embarrassment, hurt, irritation, anger, frustration, (etc) and say nothing.

To stomach the pain and conceal it from the outside world, we hide deep inside. Constantly bottling up a seething mass of emotions.

We adapt and learn coping strategies to convince those around us that everything is fine, we live a lie. Without meaning to deceive, we become chameleons.

Often perceived as the life and soul of the party. News of our suicides shakes those close to us. They would have done anything to have saved us – but we never asked = we never learned how to.

Swallowing our pain, denying our feelings and bottling up the pain is potentially very dangerous.

We need to learn to recognise and discuss our emotions. It could save our lives.