Kira

"I have suffered with poor mental health since I was about 13. I am diagnosed BPD (borderline personality disorder), depression and anxiety – I always thought I was different and see things differently to others. Over the years I have self-harmed, had intrusive thoughts and wanted to take my own life.

"Having supportive friends and family helps, and regular sessions with my mental health team.

"I would like to see more young people have access to therapies and medications, and to be taken seriously – the system failed me growing up.

"Reassurance and distractions have helped me when I have felt seriously suicidal. The genuine support makes me feel a bit better. Time is also a healer.

"Nurses would ask about suicide but I felt it didn’t come from their heart. Almost as if they’d ask because it’s procedure. I sometimes feel pressured to give details about personal things.

"When you’re speaking to friends or family, there’s always going to be that hesitation in opening up because you don’t want to disappoint people or you don’t want them to worry about you, but at the same time there’s definitely that reassurance. Especially when you’re talking about suicide because I think a lot of people are scared of that word. 

"You feel a lot more appreciated if someone you know asks you, whether it’s your family or your friends, it makes you feel a lot more comfortable. I’d rather that than be asked in a hospital or clinic setting, because it makes the conversation a lot more personal and it’s definitely something I’ve benefitted from. I have a good support system now. 

"There’s a lot of stigma around the word suicide but I feel like if someone was to ask me I’d have a lot of respect for someone actually using that word, instead of beating around the bush. If you’ve got the bravery to say to someone ‘are you thinking about suicide’ that’s a big thing. That’s a lot of bravery on their end as well as on the recipient’s end. 

"Things are better out than in. The more you bottle something up and keep it to yourself, it’s not going to benefit you at all. You’re just going to be walking around feeling guilty by not doing something about it, not speaking to people. When you actually sit down and chat to someone, even if you need a wee cry or whatever, you always feel a bit better. It’s like a weight lifted off your shoulders. But it’s also about speaking to the right people as well.

"My advice would be to speak up. It is 100% okay not to be okay. I want to be a support system for people. I understand where young people come from. Speaking up is not a sign of weakness."