[Sunny_01]

Originally posted by Stropz

I'm amazed at just how many details are attended to in some cases. I know of people who have planned for weeks and made sure every single small detail was attended to. It's actually quite disturbing to think that even in their emotional state, they are capable of such intricate planning.

However, it does make you realise that nobody can stop someone from taking their own life. If they are set on doing it, they will do it regardless of intervention.

I was shocked when I realised the extent of planning that had went into my friends suicide. She had even chosen her own poems for her funeral and the order of service! She had made sure that it was "safe" for her to do it when she did by giving off an image of hey I am ok, and actually I think she was. I think she was ok because she knew she did not have to get on with anything else in this life that she had often found terribly unbearable. I can imagine that she felt relieved while she was planning.

As for those that cry for help, I agree they do need help, and those that harm themselves also need help.

Having worked with young people who self harm I find that by encouraging them to be safe while harming was an important part of their support. Encourage them to have a first aid kit with things like steri strips in. No you are not saying it is ok, you are ensuring that they dont panic and end up with dirty infected wounds. They are going to cut themselves anyway so let them do it safely. Also Childline can be difficult to get through to and sometimes finding the right words on the phone can be difficult. People could also try Connexions Direct. It is also a national helpline for young people but offers web chat and email facilities as well as voice calls. www.connexions-direct.com You can log on without giving a real name and chat to someone condientially.