jdcnow
Graphics Extraordinaire
Well, I thought it'd be nice to do a follow-up - since it's now been almost two and a half years since this original post. I feel led to bump this old thread, because if it can help someone see things differently, that's why I originally wrote this op-ed to begin with.
But yes. Things for me have gotten drastically, overwhelmingly better for me since my own near-successful suicide attempt in April 2010.
In July 2011, I was presented with an opportunity to move to the city, to Dallas, from out of the boondocks country I come from. Best decision I ever made on anything ever. I love it here in Far North Dallas, have enjoyed living here for over a year and a half.
I have a steady and stable job with a company I've been with since August 31, 2011. It took me a month and a half to get a job after moving to Dallas. And this company will be my second anniversary with this same company.
I sought and got counselling for my mental health issues. Make no mistake that I still struggle at times. There is no way you can work in storefront retail and not have job-related stress. And I still have some social isolation issues to resolve and work out, although I think that's more due to my insane vampire schedule on overnights and not having any free time more than anything. But I am no where near the depression or suicidal state I was in all those years ago.
Thanks to the health insurance from my job, I've gotten into a good dentist, and gotten some much needed work done. That has added to me feeling better about myself.
And even my ultimate dream - to study weather forecasting - is very much alive and well. I'm in my first college class ever at age 30. Although algebra is a bit tough - I haven't touched this stuff since high school over a decade ago, but I'm doing just fine. My grade average, as of this post, is 95.8.
If there is anyone who reads this who wants to give up and throw in the towel on life, I hereby issue a throwdown challenge to you to not accept your current situation. What can you do to improve your situation in life, right now. Is it getting counselling and therapy? Is it, like in my case, getting in to a good dentist, to improve your smile, so that you don't feel so self-conscious anymore. Does your local library or soup kitchen offer volunteer opportunities. I'm sure they wouldn't turn away the extra help, and you get to help make someone else's life better in return. Don't accept what you have now. Back in July 2011, I didn't. And it's been a night and day difference of how better things have gotten for me.
I went from living in the boondocks with dismal prospects to hope, and an actual vision and a good future for myself. I am proof that it does indeed get better. Thank you.
