When someone gets an automated text that checks in with them on a regular basis, there is an apparent impact that is worth investigating more.
Just imagine what the impact could be if those texts were from friends. What if real people took a moment to check in more often?
I’m feeling a little guilty about this myself. I have some people I need to check in with more often.
When it comes to the mental health of our loved ones, there is nothing more important than ensuring we communicate our support for them. It would be a shame if they didn’t feel it because we used a lot of mental health jargon instead of having more extended conversations with them. Take the time. They are worth it.
I appreciate that there is someone researching this, and I am also glad that the subject of the article, artist Donalen Rojas Bowers, is sharing her story as well. It’s not an easy thing to talk about, it’s not an easy thing to learn about, and it’s definitely not an easy thing to find out someone you love is self-harming.
None of that unease should matter when compared to understanding and helping kids and adults who feel the need to self-harm because there have no better options available. The only way we find those is to talk about this.
Yesterday we shared some Australian resources, today I came across an Irish resource for suicide prevention, and thought we should give the Irish readers some equal time:
