Sharing his story leads to a flood of support
Before sharing his story in the media Jack Brown’s closest friends had no idea he had tried to take his life.
Brown, who became paralysed from the waist down in 2015 after intending to end his life, said he had been flooded with support since his story appeared in the Taranaki Daily News.
‘‘A lot of them [friends] were shocked, they didn’t see it coming, especially my schoolmates because I was seen as the class clown, bubbly, laugh a lot kind of kid. They never saw that hurt there.’’
Brown said he’d had 40 friend requests and 30 message requests since sharing his story.
‘‘It’s been kind of weird,’’ the 21-year-old said. ‘‘I didn’t realise how far it would reach, it’s been a comforting experience.’’
Brown was nervous about sharing his story due to the stigma around mental health but had been overwhelmed by the messages coming in from around the country and afar.
One of the 30-plus messages that arrived in his inbox said how the story had helped them.
‘‘I also suffer depression. But reading this was truly eye opening...Thank you for being here Jack... We all need someone to show that depression will not take another worthy life...You’re a true survivor,’’ is what it said. Brown’s family members had also expressed on social media how proud they were of him and how grateful they were he was still here.
‘‘Most of the messages have said how it needs to be talked about more and good on me for getting on with life,’’ he said. ‘‘Asking for help is easier than the situation I’m in now.’’
Where to get help
Lifeline (open 24/7) – 0800 543
354
Depression Helpline (open 24/7) –
0800 111 757
Healthline (open 24/7) – 0800 611
116
Samaritans (open 24/7) – 0800
726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends. Youthline (open 24/7) – 0800 376
633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz