Suicide attempt/abusive family

[Rocketman4980]

So I tried to kill myself and my sister (who got in touch a week and a half later but didn't ask how I was or if I needed help) has lied to the rest of the family and said I rebuffed her. She has since turned her back when I needed somewhere to stay in a crisis (she knew i was suicidal again) and my father has put this down to her 'being busy with a family'. This has all been normalised within the immediate family and she is blameless. However there are extended family members and old childhood friends I could contact on Facebook who have some idea of the favouritism and parental abuse I suffered. Would you contact them - if only to let her know I've put the record straight before it's too late?

[FissionChips]

I don’t understand why you want to contact them nor what it is you plan to say to them.

Are you in touch with your local mental health team?

[Rocketman4980]

@FissionChips I just want people to know who I know will believe me.
I'm in touch with mental health team but there's only so much they can do.

[3ChangingForNow]

If your family are toxic, do you think maybe distancing yourself from them could help with your mental health?

[Rocketman4980]

I should have done it a long time ago but no one told me I could - such behaviour just becomes normal. I won't speak to my sister
ever again though.

[ADarkandStormyKnight]

I’m sorry you have been feeling suicidal. Please focus on taking care of yourself. It sounds like your family are not able to give you the support you need right now and might not be the right people to help you.

Please tell the mental health team how you are feeling. You could also call or email Samaritans.

[Annandale]

Is there anything at all that makes you feel better - not self harm but positive things? Could the team help you make a plan for when you are suffering most?

I am so sorry that you feel like this.

[Rocketman4980]

Thanks, I've seen the GP and got some antidepressants, spoken to crisis team and been to a crisis centre a couple of times this week. Being on my own makes me feel suicidal, the thoughts go (or not as intrusive) when I'm with other people. No kids or partner as never been able to form long term relationships.

[ADarkandStormyKnight]

Well done for seeking help. It’s good that you recognise that being alone can be difficult for you.

Have you got plans to do anything today?

[SD1978]

Focus on you. Your sister is not an option as part of your support network. Neither is your dad. Focusing on that and not you is not going to help. Wanting to tell people your side isn't going to help. Find people who can support you and have the time to, and don't focus on those who don't.

[Rocketman4980]

@ADarkandStormyKnight I have thanks. Just can't go on into old age (am middle aged now) on my own though.

[Rocketman4980]

"Find people who can support you and have the time to, and don't focus on those who don't."

Apart from MH professionals that's easier said than done : (

[ADarkandStormyKnight]

It certainly is easier said than done .

I know from personal experience that staying away from toxic family relationships has been an essential step towards improving my mental health. It leaves a huge gap at first but it paved the way for better things.

[ADarkandStormyKnight]

I’m not suggesting cutting family off altogether (unless you feel that really is necessary) but accepting that you won’t get the help you need by turning to them for this type of support.

I like to think of it as going into a hardware shop to buy a lemon cheesecake. It’s just never going to be in stock no matter how many times you ask.

[ADarkandStormyKnight]

Hope you are ok rocketman