Against the Odds

Last week I received news that one of my poems will be included in a new anthology, 'Poems of Hope', which will be published in print and made available as a Kindle title in July. This will be the 4th anthology to feature one of my poems over the past 12 months.

What makes this one special however is that 'Poems of Hope' is being produced by The Samaritans, a charitable organization that provides emotional support to individuals in distress, loneliness, or crisis. All proceeds from the sale of the anthology will go to support the vital work they do to assist people who may be experiencing suicidal ideation.

For those outside of Ireland or the UK, who may be unfamiliar with them, The Samaritans operate a helpline service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - entirely manned by trained volunteers. In Ireland alone, The Samaritans have 24 locations across both Ireland and Northern Ireland, staffed by over 2,000 volunteers.

Autistic people have many reasons to be thankful for their services. As a community, we are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to the general population. Undiagnosed autistic people in particular can often feel like 'defective' or 'broken' individuals, when the truth - as a diagnosis would confirm - is that they are perfectly normal autistic people, rather than failed neurotypical people.

There are a number of other factors which serve to increase the risk of suicide for autistic individuals, including the following:

• Social Isolation: Autistic people's struggles with social interactions can lead to greater feelings of loneliness and isolation.

• Sensory Overload: Autistic individuals with heightened sensory sensitivities can experience increased feelings of distress, particular during times when they are feeling overstimulated.

• Communication Challenges: Difficulties in expressing emotions, making social connections, or having the tools required to allow them to seek help can make it harder for autistic individuals to reach out during a crisis.

• Co-occurring Conditions: Many autistic people have co-occurring conditions like anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can increase the risk of suicide.

• Bullying and Stigma: Autistic individuals often have to deal with bullying, discrimination and stigma, any of which has a significant impact upon their mental health, and can increase the risk of a crisis, or suicidal ideation.

I'm just a writer, so I don't have any solutions to offer. But I do know that a diagnosis (including a self-diagnosis, which is equally valid) and access to a community of other autistic people, can provide further lifelines to those in need.

In the meantime, if you or someone close to you is having a difficult time, do please reach out to The Samaritans or your local suicide helpline service. Calls to 116 123 are free - and there are wonderful, understanding people on the other end of that line who will be happy to hear from you, and to offer you the sympathy and support you deserve.