Niall’s Story of Hope - World Suicide Prevention Day
Finding Hope
In recent years, there has been increasing concern about the well-being of teenagers and young adults across the UK. Many young people face pressures that can feel overwhelming—social media comparisons, academic stress, relationship challenges, family issues, and an uncertain future, to name a few. For some, these feelings can become very intense, and it might seem like leaving the planet is the only way to find relief.
In the UK, the statistics are sobering: young people aged 15-24 have a higher risk of leaving the planet. In 2022, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that 14.8 deaths per 100,000 people aged 20-24 were due to this. Among teenagers aged 15-19, the rate was 6.4 per 100,000—a sobering reminder of the serious challenges many face.
Yet, behind these figures are real lives and real stories, each holding the potential for change. It’s crucial to remember that even in the darkest times, there is always hope and support available. Every story has the chance to continue, and there is always a path toward brighter days.
The Power of Speaking Out
Our existence on Earth is precious, and every person has a unique path. It is completely normal to feel lost, hopeless, misunderstood, or numb at times. Sometimes, the weight of those emotions can be so heavy that it feels like the only option is to leave the planet. But you have a story to tell, a purpose that has not yet been fulfilled.
Darkness may cloud your vision now, but it will pass. Your soul, like everyone’s, has its own journey, and every step—even the painful ones—leads you toward a brighter future. There is strength in staying, in allowing yourself the chance to find the light again. In those moments when you feel like you’re slipping away, hold on. Take just one more moment to breathe, to think, and to speak up. Sometimes, sharing that overwhelming feeling with another person can be the start of a new chapter, one filled with possibility and healing.
Niall’s Story
One incredibly brave individual who shared his deeply moving story on The Divine Exchange is Niall, a 26-year-old who spoke with remarkable honesty about his experience at just 17. After enduring years of self-injury, Niall was overwhelmed by a profound sense of numbness. Although he hadn’t faced a specific traumatic event, he felt a deep disconnection from the world around him. He wasn’t experiencing joy or love—only a pervasive emptiness that seemed to swallow everything. In his darkest moments, it felt as though the only choice he had control over was whether to stay on Earth or leave it behind.
During his heartfelt conversation with Sacred Bond on The Divine Exchange, Niall described the pivotal moment that transformed his life. On that day, he stood on a bridge, contemplating leaving the planet. At that critical juncture, a man and a woman appeared. The man, whom Niall now cherishes as his “Spirit Angel,” spoke to him with such genuine compassion and kindness that it pierced through the fog of his despair. This unexpected connection and the kindness of the stranger provided Niall with a renewed sense of hope and the strength to step back from the edge; something he wouldn’t have been able to do alone. It was this moment of human connection that gave him the chance to reconsider his path and begin the journey toward healing.
Niall shared three life-saving actions that helped him in that moment of despair:
Taking Five Minutes – Niall made a deal with himself to wait just five minutes before making any decisions. Those five minutes turned into ten, then thirty. It gave him a chance to reflect and think about what he was leaving behind. Sometimes, simply allowing yourself a moment to pause can be the lifeline you need.
Talking to Someone – Speaking to the man who approached him on the bridge allowed Niall to reconnect with the people he cared about and the positive aspects of his life. In that conversation they found common ground such as sporting passions which they could share a two way dialogue over.
Getting Help – After that day, Niall took the step to seek help. He realised that healing wasn’t something he had to do on his own, and he began the process of reaching out, finding support, and opening up to the idea of recovery.
Today, we are grateful Niall is still on the planet, living a life filled with purpose and meaning. He has found his calling as a mental health nurse at The Priory, the same place that helped him on his own journey to healing. Through his work, he now helps others who are struggling with their own emotional challenges, guiding them with the same compassion and understanding that saved him.
Niall’s story is one of hope and resilience. It’s a reminder that even when life feels overwhelming, there is always a way forward and his conversation with Karen on The Divine Exchange, is a testament to the power of sharing our stories and recognising the light within ourselves, even in the darkest moments.
Life Is Worth Living
To anyone who may be feeling overwhelmed or lost: know that your life is invaluable. The path ahead may feel uncertain, but it is filled with potential. Even in the darkest of times, you have the power to hold on, to reach out, and to find a way through. You are not alone, and help is always available.
If you are struggling, please reach out for support. The Sacred Bond website has a wealth of information about mental health charities, support groups, and resources to guide you on your journey to healing. Some of the organisations offering help include:
MIND: Provides extensive mental health support and information. Visit mind.org.uk for more.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Focused on preventing male suicide. Visit thecalmzone.net.
Samaritans: Offers confidential 24/7 support for those in crisis. Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
YoungMinds: Supports the mental health of children and young people. Visit youngminds.org.uk.
Papyrus: Dedicated to preventing youth suicide. Visit papyrus-uk.org.
National Institute of Mental Health: A leading resource for mental health research and support.
These organisations, along with many others, are ready to help guide you through the darkness and into the light. Healing takes time, but it is always possible. You have a purpose, a story yet to unfold, and life—even in its challenges—can be truly beautiful.
Please share Niall’s story of hope with any one you know that has been affected by suicide. There is help out there and we are committed in growing our FREE Notice Board of organisations of Sacred Agents who are there to support, advise and give comfort.
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# WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY.