A little devils advocacy: in 2017 I had a torrid time. I had 5 suicidal friends, one of those followed through. I also ended up at 4 other funerals. I opened my arms to each suicidal friend and was always there to listen even in the middle of the night. The weight of all that had me feeling the same way – I’d forgotten to look after myself. I didn’t even get PN my bike much that year. It was all hard work and heavy vibes. I had to make changes, including creating an exit strategy from a great job but one which involved supporting staff, volunteers and service users through their hard lives.
I’m much healthier now ànd ready to help folk bear a burden once again. I’ll just be careful to watch my own mood first. That is my advice to all – look out for people but yourselves first.