Yesterday I found it hilarious listening to the shoddy impressions of the Queen and Charles,
now today has become a very sombre; the nurse which answered the phone has topped herself. I also hear that they are considering bringing them both up on charges of high treason.. A truly awful result to a silly prank.
I've never mentioned this before as I'm not really into public chest beating displays about service to country or community but for many years prior to leaving the Auld Country I was a Samaritan. As both a Volunteer and a part of the management I received extensive training in the mechanics of suicide.
I only mention it now to establish the fact that my opinion is somewhat more qualified than most. Genuine suicide, as opposed to the "cry for help attempt", is rarely a single issue deal. The unfortunate victim was undoubtedly pushed over the edge by what should have been a prank but I would suggest that she was already standing close to the edge because of other factors.
For those outside of the UK, the Samaritans are amongst the most respected organisations, held in the same esteem as the Red Cross and Salvation Army. All Volunteers work under terms of strict secrecy, using assumed names combined with numbers, Peter 1, Peter 2 etc. There is no uniform and apart from a yearly fundraising effort, usually done in a different community, Volunteers are never identified in any way. It's estimated that for every year's service, there are two people alive who would otherwise not be. Due to the often intense pressure and emotional distress the average active lifespan of a Samaritan is only two years.
I did five, and it's something I am very, very proud of.
Non illegitimis carborundum est. Excellent advice for all coins.
Make Numismatics Great Again!
pnightingale,
Your comments are very interesting and worth reading. Suicide is also very common among military veterans. I did nearly 25 years in the army and served in both Bosnia and Afghanistan (3 tours of duty in Afghanistan). Although I suffered serious physical injuries (lost both legs above the knees and other injuries that I will not mention here), I have deeper psychological scars that keep me awake most nights. Sometimes suicide is a way to stop the pain.
But it's an easy way out being a soldier I would assume you're in the mind set of "soldiering on" and that's what keeps alot going.. I think the London 2012 Olympics did a hell of alot for disabled sports not only raising awareness from the general public but also in getting other people who without knowing about these things have no target or direction in life. They just have to dwell on what the bad points are instead of thinking what they can do and I think a lot more money should be spent on helping those and into the Samaritans.. There are a lot of Samaritan signs around my way as we have 60ft cliffs which is a regular for jumpers and we've even had a few drive off in recent years - it's so sad
Quote: Mark240590But it's an easy way out being a soldier I would assume you're in the mind set of "soldiering on" and that's what keeps alot going.. I think the London 2012 Olympics did a hell of alot for disabled sports not only raising awareness from the general public but also in getting other people who without knowing about these things have no target or direction in life. They just have to dwell on what the bad points are instead of thinking what they can do and I think a lot more money should be spent on helping those and into the Samaritans.. There are a lot of Samaritan signs around my way as we have 60ft cliffs which is a regular for jumpers and we've even had a few drive off in recent years - it's so sad
I wish I could comment futher on this subject, but I have been warned not to post comments about the plight of disabled soldiers like myself. I guess out of sight means out of mind. I will try to follow those orders.
Fanaticism is dangerous. Since we have many native and colonized tea drinkers on this forum, I'd like to ask a question. I'm assuming there are a lot of proper individuals out there, who live, breathe and follow the royals' every move. From TV, I know what happens when the circus comes to town. Are some of these proper individuals fanatical enough to take their own life, if they somehow feel that they may have disgraced the royals? If your country has a monarch on it's coins, do you get royal visits? Do you notice fanatical behaviour in your country, whenever a royal event is broadcast on TV? We get the odd visit and televised event. A few older ladies dress up for fun here and there, fashion gets mentioned and then it's quiet until the next visit/event. The tabloids in the UK don't seem to take that kind of a break between events. I guess what I'm trying to understand, is whether or not the pressure of such a faux pas, to a proper individual and royal follower, would be a life and death or change your address type of big deal? After all, it was just a phone call.
QuoteEarlier, crowds lined the roads close to the Catholic church to pay their respects while relatives attended a private prayer ceremony at her home.
Saldanha left two notes in her room, and had marks on her wrist when her body was discovered, Westminster coroners court in London heard on Thursday.
Catholic church, two notes and marks on her wrists (previous attempt ...?).
QuoteIt has now emerged she was being treated with anti-depressants and had made two attempts to take her own life during a family holiday in India, last December.
