Joel
Didn't get to celebrate his 19th birthday
My best friend Joel was 18 when he took his own life and didn't make it to his 19th birthday.
He was the sportiest, most athletic, smartest person I've actually ever come across. Joel was always ahead of everyone, always knew how to do things but others couldn't. And when he walked into any room you just knew he was there - he always had the biggest smile in his face...
I've got hundreds of memories him and I playing guitar or doing stunts outside in this garden with our bikes or scooters and we would post them on Facebook and share of our friends.
Joel and I saw eye to eye with everything, we had so much in common but one thing that he never spoke to me about was his mental health. I wish he had on the day that he took his life. I was lucky enough to actually walk out of school with him and if he had brought it up to me I would like to think he'd still be here to this day.
One thing that I think would help family and friends to talk about suicide with young people is to let them know how you’re feeling - show them this is a safe space to confide in you so they can let you know how they are really feeling and what help they may need.
