My Brother

My brother, Mark, died back in January of 2002. In fact it was 19 years ago today. Sadly he took his own life. He felt that there was no hope and no way out of the pit he was in. He gassed himself in his car at his workplace (a market garden in Virginia, SA).

I know my brother was no angel. There were times I was terrified of his behaviour but he was still my brother. He deserved better than he got. He deserved happiness and people that were understanding of his situation. If I had known how badly he was hurting I would've done something to help.

Depression is a horrible thing. An isolating thing. Something that you don't need to go through alone. There are so many places you can seek help 

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636

Lifeline - 131114 

Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467

Even though we had our moments I still miss Mark. Brodie misses his Buddy (their name for one another) and all the mischief they got up to. Hopefully he is now resting in peace. 

It's R U OK? Day

Today is R U OK? Day

Don't just wait for today and ask if someone is okay. Ask any time and as often as you feel it's necessary. I lost a brother to suicide. I had no idea how he was feeling. I didn't ask. Don't leave it too late. Start a conversation. It could just save a life.

Depression doesn't discriminate.

ruokday.com.au

Depression and Suicide

Earlier this week an amazing actor and comedian, Robin Williams, lost his life. He had been battling depression. Depression can be such a hard thing to deal with. I personally know how hard it is to deal with depression. I also know how difficult it is to deal with the loss of a loved one through suicide. I lost a brother that way.

It doesn't matter who the person is whether it is a celebrity or the average Joe Blow who takes their own life. Someone, somewhere always manages to judge them and call them selfish for their actions. I personally believe that unless you have been in their shoes or have suffered from depression yourself how can you possibly know what they were thinking at the time? I believe it says more about the person who made the statement than the person who died.

RIP Robin Williams. 

If you are struggling with depression yourself. Please don't think you are alone. Talk to someone, anyone. You don't need to go through this by yourself.

If you need help please phone Lifeline 13 11 14

www.lifeline.org.au 

or contact Beyond Blue 1300 224636

www.beyondblue.org.au

R U OK - a conversation could change a life. 

www.ruok.org.au

National R U Okay Day

Today is national R U Okay Day.

It's a day set aside each year to help inspire Australians to reach out to family, friends and colleagues and ask them if they are okay. It's all about suicide prevention and awareness. By reaching out and asking you can make a difference in someones life. I know what it is like to lose a close family member from suicide. It truly is hard for those left behind. So start a conversation by asking R U OK it can make all the difference in the world.

You don't need to wait for a special day to ask someone if they are okay. 

Go ahead, ask someone how they are. Show them you care.

R U Ok? Day

Today is national R U OK? Day.
It's a day set aside each year to help inspire Australians to reach out to family, friends and colleagues and ask them if they are okay. It's all about suicide prevention and awareness. By reaching out and asking you can make a difference in someones life.
I know what it is like to lose a family member from suicide. It truly is hard for those left behind.
So start a conversation by asking R U OK it can make all the difference in the world.

Here's what I am thankful for this week:

• nice weather. It's been really good to get the washing dry in one day rather than needing to wait several days for it to dry on the line
• being able to spend some time with Mark. We went out shopping for a wedding present for his brother & future sister-in-law
• pain killers - they've come in handy this week with my back & arm playing up a bit. It's kind of put me off my crocheting but only a teeny bit
• Angus - he's been getting stuck into his homework for English. I just hope that he pays just as much attention to his other subjects but at least he is getting the work done.
• good doctors - Brodz has been seeing a psychiatrist for the past month and it's made a bit of a difference. In a good way too (~_~)

What are you thankful for this week?

R U OK? Day

Today is R U OK? Day.

It's a day aimed at getting Australians to ask someone, a friend, a colleague or family member if they are okay. It's all about suicide prevention & helping people. To listen to them and finding out if they really are okay. Click on the image below to find out more.
 






 You don't have to wait for a national day to remind you to ask you friends, family or work mates if they are okay. I lost one of my brothers to suicide. It really is a horrible dark thing and so very, very  hard for the ones who are left behind. So please, no matter where you are in the world, ask someone you love today if they are okay.

R U OK? Day September 15th

R U Okay? Day is coming up on Thursday September 15th. 

I'm all for suicide prevention. Start a conversation with someone you love. It could change their life.


If you do know someone who needs help encourage them to contact their GP or Lifeline. Take them to the doctor if you have to but please don't leave it too late.

Beyond Blue
Lifeline 13 11 14

R U OK? Day

Thursday October 7th is R U OK? Day.

It's a day aimed at getting Australians to ask someone, a friend, a colleague or family member if they are okay. It's all about suicide prevention & helping people. To listen to them and finding out if they really are okay.

I'm all for suicide prevention. After all I did lose one of my brothers this way. He felt that there was no one to listen to him. That there was no one there to be his friend. He felt that there was no other way. I am sure that he felt terribly isolated and extremely depressed too.

So if you get the chance ask someone if they are okay please do it. They may just need to know that you are there to listen. You don't have to solve their problems but you may just make a difference. Or it may just be a way to let your friend, colleague or family member know that you care & that you want to get to know them better.

If they do need help encourage them to contact their GP or Lifeline.
Beyond Blue
Lifeline 13 11 14

No matter where you are in the world you should ask someone Are You Okay? Such a simple question could make a HUGE difference.

World Suicide Prevention Day

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.

I saw a post about this on ChunkyChooky's blog today where Cath shared the story of her friend who committed suicide. It got me thinking about my brother who died in January of 2002. I've already posted about this once so I wont go into it in too much detail but if you can read about it here if you wish to.

If you think you know someone who is suicidal or you believe may be at risk it is really important to listen to them and let them know you understand. Please do not dismiss how they are feeling & make light of it. It may tip them over the edge.
If you can, please help them find the right services that may help them & keep them safe. Encourage them to call lifeline or see their GP.

Lifeline - 13 11 14

Suicide & that Wicked Witch

I can hardly believe that I was ever related to this stupid woman! Her selfish act has not only robbed my nephews (related via marriage only) of their father but my beautiful niece is in foster care too. The article doesn't mention my niece because Rob wasn't her father. She is my brothers little girl. No one in our family has seen her since she was a toddler or even knows exactly where she is.

My brother died back in January of 2002. Sadly he took his own life. He too was a victim of that selfish witch! She and her oldest daughter accused my brother of incest. Dad swears my brother is innocent but I am not so sure. I wont go into my reasons but regardless of what I thought of the situation my brother was beyond despair. He had lost his friends, they all deserted him. He felt that there was no hope and no way out of the pit he was in. He gassed himself in his car at his workplace (a market garden in Virginia).

I know my brother was no angel. There were times I was terrified of him but he was still my brother. He deserved better than he got. If I had known how badly he was hurting I would've tried to do something to help.

If anyone is feeling depressed & thinks there is no way out please talk to someone. Whether its a friend, family, your doctor or even lifeline. There is always someone around to listen.
Beyond Blue
Lifeline 13 11 14