Sometimes, all it takes is a small gesture of appreciation or a motivational comment to change the life of a depressed person! A kind word can save lives! Psychologists have repeatedly stressed the importance of encouragement and compassion to cheer up those coping with bouts of depression and suicidal tendencies.
Such encouragement and gestures of humanity can save a life even if it comes from a stranger. In Northeast England, the inspiring and humanitarian acts of a college student helped save the lives of several depressed and suicidal people. Such a great outcome has delighted mental health experts.
The girl who has received widespread praise for her compassionate acts is Paige Hunter, an 18-year-old student at East Durham School. Paige decided to tie motivational and inspirational notes on the Wearmouth Bridge located in Sunderland.
She has put up over 200 inspirational notes and messages on the bridge. This is meant to inspire depressed souls. Some of the messages read:
“Even though things are difficult, your life matters. You’re a shining light in a dark world, so just hold on.”
A kindly, thoughtful, or inspiring word can save lives
The noteworthy outcome is that her efforts have managed to save at least eight people’s lives. She writes the messages in brightly colored ink and puts them up on various parts of the Wearmouth Bridge.
While Hunter acted out of compassion and goodwill and did not expect any rewards, the local police decided to give her a commendation certification. They were really amazed that a young college student would do something on her own to motivate others.
Sarah Pitt, the Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent, said on the topic:
“Paige has shown an incredible understanding of vulnerable people in need of support. For someone so young, Paige has shown a real maturity and we thought it would only be right to thank her personally. She should be very proud of herself.”
Posting the inspirational notes on the bridge is a thoughtful act on her part. These initiatives go a long way in motivating and inspiring others to help them cope with various mental problems. Every year, a lot of depressed and stressed women and men try to commit suicide and such acts of humanity and inspiration can make them stop and think about the importance of their own lives. Such kind and thoughtful notes do save lives.
“Some days are just harder than others,” one note stated. “It does get better.”
It was back in 2018 when she took this initiative. Her acts of kindness have made her popular on the web as well, with several social media posts doing the rounds. Many have agreed that her acts will serve as a source of inspiration for others. Hunter was pleasantly surprised by the response of the police team. She said that receiving the certificate was an overwhelming experience.
As it is, Paige was inspired to act because she has personally experienced coping with depression and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
She suffered mental health issues after being raped at the age of 14, so she knows how traumatic and painful such depression can be. She said in an interview:
“I suffer with PTSD and have been on the bridge myself and that feeling you get where you are debating whether to carry on living is absolutely terrifying and I didn’t want anyone else to feel the way I did on the bridge. I wanted them to know that there are people who will listen and support you through those feelings.”
This motivated her to offer mental assistance and encouragement through her posts to help people cope with similar issues. Her sole purpose is to help save lives.
Please do not suffer all alone. If you are feeling that you just can’t take it anymore; if you are feeling overwhelmed, lonely, forgotten, depressed, broken-hearted, suicidal… please talk to a very trusted close friend, a parent, or confident. Or talk to your local branch of the Samaritans in confidence. A problem shared is a problem halved.
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