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Together to Live: Youth Suicide Prevention Done Right

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Experience with suicide can be an asset in the right community of support. Together to Live at CHEO taught me to value my experiences today.I used to think experiences were either good or bad – daisies or bruises – but I’m learning that sometimes they can be both. I have a lifetime of experience with suicide, but today that felt like an asset thanks to the Together to Live conference put on by the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health.

Last night I had serious cold feet about attending this conference on youth life promotion/suicide prevention because I was scared of being triggered and feeling unsafe, but I decided to go anyway. I am so glad I did!

There are so many mental health conferences that I want to go to but can’t because I can’t afford it, or I don’t have the qualifications to be invited. Thankfully, more and more big and influential organizations like the Ontario Centre for Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health are seeing youth with lived experience as a major asset. In other words, the terrible overwhelming experience I have with suicide is something people want to hear about. All of these bruises of mine are daisies in a different light.

The day came with its triggers but I stuck it out. At first I felt really alone and trapped but then I talked to some really awesome people who helped me feel safe and completely understood. By the end of the afternoon I was getting and giving hugs to people I really wished I could be best friends with forever.

I learned that I’m not as alone as I feel. In an environment with the right supports and the right people, facing your triggers can be a really healing experience. Yes, it can be painful and scary and uncomfortable, but suicide is an exceptionally painful topic. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t talk about it.

One person I met today said that it really upsets her too, even with decades of experience in the mental health field. I realized that’s what makes her exceptional at her job. She shared what makes her human, and it made me feel more human.

I handed out lots of business cards today and received a lot in return. If you’re a new reader to Daisies and Bruises, I’m so excited! Thank you for checking out my blog and making me feel human today. I would love to hear from you, attend your conference, speak at your event, and work with you in the future.

To the people from Together to Live who ran the conference, you know how to do things right. I felt understood and appreciated and I want to do it all over again. Also, kudos for having pipe cleaners, Play-Doh, and pom-poms at each table just to play with. Like this blog, you know the Art of Living With Depression. Communication is an art and you have it down pat.

You make me feel like there is a future for me, a bright one, no matter how dark my past may be. Thank you so much.

Love Erin

P.S. Check out the Together to Live Toolkit for Addressing Youth Suicide in your community, no matter where you live. Suicide is a global issue and it’s about time we give it more light.

The post Together to Live: Youth Suicide Prevention Done Right appeared first on Daisies and Bruises.


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