Suicide Prevention Awareness Day Message

by | Sep 12, 2019 | Self-Love | 0 comments

Trigger Warning: Suicidal Ideation

Suicide Prevention Awareness Day Message | Uncustomary

On Suicide Prevention Awareness Day I posted the following message on social media.

“This has been the hardest year of my life I think. The only things that come close are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Nannie dying, the sociopath I dated that left me with trauma, when my brother and dad were both in the hospital at the same time and we thought they were going to die, and my teen years in general.

Those other things were scattered. I was bad off at the time but it was one thing at a time. And good came with the bad. But this year….

I’ve shared a lot of my struggles this year, but honestly that’s just the tip of it. You don’t see everything that goes on behind the curtain of Uncustomary. And more times this year than since I was a teenager I thought about ending everything. It got to the point where I counted all the pills and Googled how many would be a lethal dose.

This year has been a roller coaster that seems to only go down and I’m gasping for air. Bug’s death was literally the last thing I needed, but honestly, it gave me hope in a weird way.

The thing that kept me from killing myself all those nights was how my dad would feel getting the news. It was how my monetary debts would affect those who have lent them to me. And it was a little bit of how I haven’t accomplished what I want to do yet. But Bug turned it around and made me realize that life is precious and if we have people we love and love us and passions that fuel our fire then we have to do them now because we have no fucking clue when shit is going to go down without our permission.

I am so grateful for getting through every single night this year that I thought I couldn’t. I am so grateful to all of you for supporting Uncustomary. I’m glad I’m still here.

You can look back at any random picture on my feed in the past 6 months and I might have been suicidal then. That’s real. Suicidal doesn’t have a face. Often it wears a mask.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Day is about breaking down the stigma against suicide. So remember that just because someone has a flower crown doesn’t mean you know they aren’t in pain. We never know anyone else’s story. Listen if you can.”

Then I got a LOT of responses from people. And I made a second post which was…

Suicide Prevention Awareness Day Message | Uncustomary

“I made a post to share something really vulnerable that I haven’t really talked about in recent years. I’ve struggled with it in my teen years, but I haven’t been open about it as an adult with the public. I got a LOT of responses, and I want to take some time to address them.

First, I want to say how grateful I am to everyone who read the post, liked it, commented, and reached out. Spreading awareness is key. I am so grateful for your support.

Second, the point of the post was not to get attention, it was to shed light on an issue that goes unspoken and unnoticed far too often. We stigmatize the entire issue on its own, and also what we think it looks like. I thought it was important that you knew that just because I wear rainbows and flower crowns and smile in photos doesn’t mean I’m not struggling or can be suicidal. Suicidal doesn’t have a face.

Third, SO MANY of you messaged me directly. Again, I am grateful for your support. But there are some things I want to address. Many of you told me I’m “not allowed to kill myself”, “suicide is not an option”, “I’m the last person you thought would be suicidal”, “you’ve been following for years and love everything I do”, and you’d be “crushed” if I died. I definitely understand where these sentiments are coming from, and I appreciate them. But I am a big girl. I got my degree in psychology, worked at a psych rehab for half a decade, and know all the resources available to me. One of those resources is professional help from a therapist from BetterHelp.com. Let’s not forget that I also have Bipolar Disorder among five other disorders, a history of self-harm, and suicide attempts. And all of that compounded with how crushing this year has been with external circumstances has been really, really hard.

Fourth, I’ve been pretty open with how hard I’ve been struggling this year. For the past six to seven months shit has been really, really hard. I try to keep things light and inspirational for your benefit because I try to be of service, but if you’ve paid attention, I’ve actually talked a ​lot​ about how hard things have been.

Most of the messages I got from people were from people I haven’t spoken to in a decade, never met, have been following me and consuming my free online content or attending my free events for years without ever commenting or buying something or leaving a review to support me.

I will say that recently when my power got turned off, SO many of you came to the plate and bought my e-book or donated a few bucks that got my power turned back on. And there have been a handful of very constant, supportive friends in my life that I couldn’t have gotten through this year without and they know who they are. But my point is why does it take catastrophe for us to act?

Robin Williams’ death caught us all so off-guard because he was so “full of life”, which was a phrase many of you used when you messaged me to describe me since my post. It hurts when we think someone is happy and giving us so much hope and laughter and then they’re internally struggling so hard. But why did we wait till he was gone to share how we felt?

I’m guilty of it, too. I literally just did it with my cat’s death. I should have spent more time with him before he died. But I’m using his death as a call to action to put my money where my mouth is and spend time with my dad, my friends, and my passion projects as much as I can NOW.

So my point is this. If you read that message yesterday, that wasn’t coming from a place of ultimate crisis, but informing on a holiday meant for raising awareness (even though these thoughts have been relatively recent), you can actually make a difference in my life. If HALF or even a THIRD or a QUARTER of the people who “liked” my Facebook status yesterday signed up to be an Uncustomary Babe Member, that would CHANGE MY LIFE! You could support the free services I’ve been providing for years and help me get out of debt. You could help relieve this burden. If you’re actually worried about me, that’s a way you can support me.

I know not everyone can afford $8 a month, but if you can, it’s worth it. I’m providing you with resources to love yourself more, and you’re also actively supporting me and making a difference. You can also donate to my blog, pledge to my Patreon, buy my e-book, buy my workbook, buy an e-course, buy my book, buy something from my Etsy, or just leave a review on Facebook! It takes like 2 minutes to leave a review or to just write me one in a direct message that I can use if you don’t use Facebook. Literally every $1 and every review helps and makes a difference. So many people consume what I have to offer but aren’t willing to pay for it, and if you were, I could get to a different place.

I’m not saying I’m going to kill myself if you don’t buy my shit, to be clear. That’s absurd. I’m saying if you want to support me, here is the best way. And that support can come in the form on free words that help me get more customers and cost you nothing if that’s all you have to give.

Don’t wait till someone is in crisis or a catastrophe strikes to tell them how much you love them. Don’t wait till someone pushes a red emergency button to reach out. Don’t wait till you can’t do anything to regret not doing more. The time is now.

Thank you for all of your support and love. Uncustomary couldn’t be where it is today without you. I am so grateful for the community that I’ve created here. I am in no way trying to look a gift horse/babe in the mouth. Death, whether it’s our cat’s, a family member’s, a friend’s, or the thought of our own, can get you thinking in big ways, and if that’s what it takes to make big waves, so be it.

Let’s make big waves together. I want to keep creating for you. Let’s do this together.

Love + glitter,

Mary

PS – So if you are “liking” this post, TAKE ACTION. Click over to the reviews section and leave me a review on this same page! The link is below! Or donate a dollar on PayPal or Venmo (@ uncustomarylove) links for how to support me are below.

“‘Liking” this post and moving on before bothering to leave a review that costs $0 is the antithesis of it liking the message of showing support when you need to. Show up how you can! Share my page with others! Those are free. Just saying.”

So I just wanted compile all of these things here on my blog in my own space and let you know that I am okay, but can be doing better, and that if you want to support me these are the ways you can do it.

Thank you for you love and support.




In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle