I got thinking about the times when we are so consumed with our own stuff that we can’t see what others are going through. They are invisible and their pain goes unnoticed.
Some scenarios when the person who was suffering wasn’t seen
- I’m limping, how did you miss it?
- I suddenly became quiet, but nobody wondered why
- what I wear doesn’t align with the temperature, why didn’t anyone realise she was hurting me?
- the spark has gone from my eyes, nobody looked closely enough to notice
- she was my mum too, why is it that all the children apart from me, are being offered condolences?
- I was losing weight rapidly. I knew why, but the Dr. and I were the only ones. Nobody else noticed or asked me about it.
- I lose my desire to talk, I’m my usual animated self and my smile disappears when I’m around that boy. Nobody knew what he was doing to me while it was going on.
- everyone sees me as strong, independent and organised, so much so that, even when it’s obvious that I’m struggling, it’s invisible to everyone around me.
Please don’t despair, there’s hope
I’m not going to use this space to theorise about why the above happens. Instead, I want to use it to highlight that there will always be someone there for you if you ever need to talk or share what you’re going through via email. I’m talking about the Samaritans.
Every six seconds, we respond to a call for help. No judgement. No pressure. We’re here for anyone who needs someone.
Samaritans.org
Why get in touch with the Samaritans?
- they will be there if you’re struggling to cope and need someone to listen without judgement or pressure
- the Samaritans try to prevent crises by being there for us before we feel we have no way out
- they help us find ways to cope
- they can help us find support from an organisation that focuses on specific situations, such as, abuse, addiction or bereavement
What else do the Samaritans offer?
They provide support in prisons, schools, hospitals and on the rail network. The Samaritans also train others to do the same.
When can you contact the Samaritans
You can lean on a Samaritan 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
How to get in touch
There are multiple ways that you can get in touch with the Samaritans.
Which method of communication will suit you best?
There’ll be a quicker response if you use the first option and call.
The Samaritans check emails on a daily basis but the reply won’t be as instant as calling.
Having a chat with someone face to face will only be possible at certain times of the day and this may vary from branch to branch.
Lastly, some time is needed for postal letters to reach the Samaritans, after which the letter will be read, someone will reply and it will be posted to the person who wrote in.
You can find out more about the service and how to get in touch with the Samaritans here.
If you’re not sure which form of communication to use, there’s a section called “Find the service that’s right for you…” on this page. There, you’ll find a few bullet points sharing the benefits for using each of the methods shown above, and circumstances when it might be good to consider using a different form of communication.
What if you want the Samaritans to help someone other than yourself?
There’s a section about what to do if you’re worried about someone else. You can find out how the Samaritans can support you and the person you’re concerned about, here.
Let the Samaritans be there for you
Take care of you.
Know that you’re not alone.
Trust that the volunteers are there to support you with whatever you’re going through without judgement.
Reach out.
