I created this image with a mind to including it in the Fatuvalu / Eight Hearts artwork that I submitted as my Masters work but I couldn't. I have touched on my own experience with suicide as a teenager in previous work and I created this as iterative reflection on the outcome of that journey. It's confronting and personal but it works best on it's own as a statement on my ability to see hope in the dark thanks to my brother Uoka Sagapolutele.
The stats alone from suicide this year are horrifying, in an article from Stuff last August there had been an increase in the number of deaths in the last four years and the number dying is the highest since stats started to be recorded ten years ago. This is heart breaking.
There has to be a way to address this that brings a needed change, we can't keep losing people this way - there is always hope but when you are in the mindset of self destruction that is hard to see. I was lucky enough to have an intervention when I was younger and I am not afraid to admit my weakness. What I have now is something I never saw back then and I am truly grateful for the alofa and life I have now.
If you need to talk to someone, anyone about life please reach out - message me if you want and I'll come and tell you about my idea for a sci-fi movie over coffee and toast. Or we could just sit and occupy space and time.
Mad respect to Joseph and'Lydia Fa'afiu for his tireless work with this cause.
I borrowed this list of numbers from the Stuff article - just a way to pass on the alofa.
WHERE TO GET HELP:
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, midday–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.
thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
Supporting Families in Mental Illness - 0800 732 825
From one who found hope - alofa and respect