By John H Townsend
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April 10, 2025
Life is a whirlwind of emotions, experiences, and moments that shape who we are. Some days are lighter than air, filled with laughter and joy, while others test our strength in ways we never imagined. Today, I want to share a deeply personal experience that taught me the importance of self-awareness, seeking help, and finding new ways to navigate life's challenges. This morning at 4 a.m., I found myself in a place I never expected, the local police station. Why? Because I had a moment of crisis, a "wobble," as I call it. The thought of suicide crept into my mind, but instead of succumbing to despair, I remembered something that the police had told me the last time I faced these feelings: go to a place of safety. And that's exactly what I did. I was fortunate to speak to a kind-hearted female staff member, whether she was an officer or not, I'm still unsure. What mattered most was her ability to listen, to make sense of my day, and to help me untangle the triggers that led me to this point. It turns out that my biggest vulnerabilities, hunger, lack of sleep, and frustration, can often push me into a spiral, even on a good day. Yesterday, I'd enjoyed catching up with my friend Katie, staying connected with my wonderful partner Amy, and crushing a gym session. But somewhere along the way, hunger sneaked up on me, and I didn’t realize how much it was affecting me. The conversation was followed by an assessment from a mental health nurse, who reassured me that seeking help was the right thing to do. Although their words of encouragement felt slightly condescending at first, I now recognize the truth behind them: taking action in moments of crisis is something to be proud of. Returning home, I reflected on what had happened and the steps I took to ensure my safety. Missing a day of work isn’t ideal, but what matters is the progress I made in understanding my triggers and creating a plan for future challenging moments. Katie and her partner have since reminded me that their door is always open for a chat and a cup of tea, a simple yet powerful way to find comfort and connection when the storm clouds gather. Next time, I'll take them up on their offer, as reaching out to loved ones can make all the difference. This experience has shifted my mindset. When bad days come, my focus is no longer on ending life but on finding ways to protect it, to get myself to a safe space, seek help, and share my feelings with those I trust. Recovery, I’ve learned, is not a straight path but a series of steps guided by self-awareness and the support of others. My priorities have become clearer than ever: cherishing my family, staying healthy, and nurturing the love I share with Amy. Life is far from perfect, but with the right tools and people by my side, I’m learning how to face challenges with resilience and hope. And that, I believe, is the key to building a brighter future. To anyone who might be feeling overwhelmed, know this: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Together, we can weather the storms and find a way forward. Let's keep moving toward the light, one step at a time.