Notes of Hope

Introduction

We never know what someone else is going through, or what they have been through. Sometimes a ray of light or a whisper of hope, or even a life changing switch gets switched, from an unexpected source. Every person has a unique path in life, with their own challenges and obstacles, as well as their own answers and solutions.

I wish I had recognized the struggles of my coworker and my friend and co-leader in recovery, and been able to give a whisper of hope, or a ray of light and help prevent their suicides.

Sometimes, a competent counselor that truly cares can save a life – Tara Samples saved mine.

The 988 hotline saves lives - see the interview with Ron Driver.

Notes of Hope That Save Lives From a Woman in England

Back in 2018, Paige Hunter, a woman in England who was suffering from depression and PTSD went to Wearmouth Bridge to end her life.

Two strangers approached her and said: “You are worth so much more than this.”

That simple statement gave her pause, and actually flipped a switch in her mind – she left the bridge with a new mindset.

She thought, if those simple words could help me, who else might be helped by words of hope?

The very next day she returned to the bridge and stuck notes with those same words all over the bridge.

In the first month, at least 8 people changed their minds when they read her notes.

She expanded her campaign, “Notes of Hope”, with over 40 different messages, having left over 1000 notes, and has helped many more.

She also includes the phone number for mental health support services.

Some of Paige Hunter's Notes of Hope

You are worth so much more than this.
Pause / Stop / Breathe
There are better options and so many people who love you.
You're not alone.
Even though things are difficult, your life matters;
You're a shining light in a dark world, so just hold on.
Take a Deep Breath
Step Back
Don't do this.
We care.
Having a rough day?
Place your hand over your heart.
Can you feel it?
That is called Purpose.
You're alive for a reason, so don't ever give up.
Don't give up.
NOT NOW, NOT TOMORROW, NOT EVER!

Notes of Hope From the Suicide Forest

There is a forest in Japan at the foot of Mt Fuji, named Aokighara [sea of trees], but also known as the suicide forest because of the number of people that go there to take their own lives. It is the site of the second highest number of suicides in the world (after the Golden Gate Bridge).

People also place signs with messages of hope in the forest to try to give hope and change people’s mindsets

Here are the words of three of those signs, again with an emphasis on family.

Consider your loved ones.
Get help from a suicide prevention service.
Your life is a precious gift from your parents.
Think about them and the rest of your family.
You don’t have to suffer alone.

Please Help Us Spread the Word

[1] - Please watch the 7 minute video at the top of the Home

page all the way through and like it, the share it on social media.

The link is: https://youtu.be/mfxI7o3imZc

[2] - Also please share the link to this Home page:

https://bepreparedtosavealife.com

[3] - Finally, for those who like and have friends who like the

Riswue, Please share the video going into the men's room to

see the poster:

https://youtu.be/MiGTsHwAWxw