Five years ago, Stephanie was in the darkest time of her life, sat alone with the curtains pulled shut on Christmas Eve. She just couldn’t see a way out.
There are always glimmers of hope. But when you’re struggling to cope, like I was on that Christmas Eve, you can lose sight of that hope. That night, while many others were out celebrating, I tried to take my own life.
Stephanie
Thankfully, Stephanie woke up on Christmas morning. She got dressed and went to her family’s house for lunch as if nothing had happened. She explains: “I just couldn’t tell them. I didn’t want to ruin their Christmas. I look back at the pictures and I’m smiling, but you can see in my eyes that I wasn’t OK at all… The longer I kept things to myself, the harder it got, until I felt like I just couldn’t cope anymore. Everything was spiralling out of control.”
Thanks to the support of people like you, a Samaritan was there to answer Stephanie’s call when she found the courage to call the helpline months later.
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“My hands were shaking as I entered the numbers. I was so nervous, and it took me a little while to get the words out. But after the call, I just felt this huge rush of relief – I’d told someone how I was really feeling. It felt amazing to hear that calm voice on the other end of the line and to know that someone was there for me. Someone kind, who would just listen and never judge me.”
Stephanie spent many years in a dark and unstable place, but thanks to Samaritans and the generosity of supporters like you, she’s not there anymore. She got engaged in 2019, she loves her job and lives in the kind of home she used to draw pictures of as a kid, with a door and windows on either side. “I’ve discovered ways to support myself that I didn’t know I had. Of course, there are still some darker days, but I have ways to cope with them now.”
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You can help change someone’s story by donating today
Samaritans are expecting to answer over 250,000 calls for help this December. There are many reasons why people might call for help this Christmas. The end of a relationship, the death of a loved one or even a big global event like coronavirus can suddenly change life as we know it.
Any one of us could find ourselves struggling to cope. That’s why it’s so important that Samaritans are there to listen, day and night.
By being a Samaritans Christmas Star, your kindness is helping someone who’s struggling to see brighter days to come. Stephanie is living proof of that.
The volunteer who listened to me was so patient, and they helped me reach a powerful realisation – I didn’t want to die, I just didn’t want to hurt anymore. That was pivotal for me.
Stephanie
You can change someone’s story this Christmas
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By supporting Samaritans this Christmas, you’re helping make sure we’re there to listen when someone needs us most. You’re helping us listen so they know they’re not alone. Your support today can help someone change their story. In the darkest hour, stars like you light the way through.
Thank you.