This content mentions suicide or suicidal thoughts. Please read with care. There are details of where to find help at the bottom of this page.
I started experiencing suicidal thoughts in my late teens. I was experiencing mental health issues and struggling to connect with friends and family around me. I felt as though nothing was ever going to improve for me, only ever get worse, and I saw no way out. I didn’t tell anyone how I was feeling. I kept it all to myself through fear of judgement. I didn’t know what would happen to me if I did tell people that I was feeling suicidal. I had a plan to end my life and I didn’t want anyone to stop me. I was still continuing with my undergraduate degree as I didn’t want people to know I was struggling.
I didn’t recognise it at the time, but there were friends around me that cared. They had noticed signs that I wasn’t happy and wasn’t well. I had become quiet and withdrawn, declining invites to spend time with people and I had been pushing people away. I would make dark jokes about not being here much longer and what was the point because it would all be over soon.
My friends were able to get in touch with professional help, finding me the support I needed. After some respite and a lot of therapy, I’m now able to say that I’m so grateful to them for seeing the signs. Some people experience a kind of revelation and can quickly realise that life is worth living. For others, like me, it takes a lot of hard work, lapses and relapses and commitment to getting better. It’s worth it. Life is worth living. I’m now the happiest I’ve ever been and cannot wait to see what the future holds.
If you need support with your mental health and wellbeing support is available. Contact the University Counselling and Wellbeing Service counselling@bradford.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)1274 235750.
The Counselling and Mental Health Service are located in Student Central, level 01.
Free and confidential service for students operated by Health Assured.24 hour helpline: 0800 028 3766
Students at the University of Bradford can now access a range of mental health and other support online. The uobwell app is free to students and hosts an array of support and is aimed at increasing mental health support amongst students. You can access the wellbeing web app on any device @ www.uobwell.co.uk The app is a great resource for students to help you maintain good mental health and wellbeing throughout your studies via useful tools and tips.
More information about the app and wellbeing events taking place at University can be found at @UoBWell and uobwell.info.
Support for anyone under 35 experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person may be experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Papyrus HOPELINEUK – 0800 068 4141
Text – 07860 039967www.papyrus-uk.org
Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year. We provide a safe place for anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are, however they feel, whatever life has done to them. Please call 116 123 email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of the nearest branch.
The Samaritans Tel: 116 123
