Hi Folks-

Some of us have gotten together and come up with an idea we think most of you will like. They asked me if I would write it, so that's why it's under my name.

It's called the Back Pocket Pledge and I'll try to explain what it is. For years I've referred to suicide as something I keep in my back pocket. I keep it close in case I need it. It comforts me and sometimes my life is so out of control that I think about it far too much.

Since things have been coming together for me lately and I've learned how to handle the depressions and sort of head them off at the pass, I think it's time to take it out of my pocket, even if I can only do it one day at a time. The dark days will come again, I'm sure and there may be days I can't fight them off. But I'm going to try. So starting right here, with this thread, we made a pledge and it would be great if you decide to join in.

And it goes like this-

Just for today I am taking suicide out of my back pocket. I am making a committment to myself that no matter how down I am, or how horrible today is, or has been, I've decided to go just one more day without it. I'll try not to think about it or plan it and it will be one more burden I don't have to carry around today. I don't know if I'll put it back in my pocket tomorrow, or if I can go another day without it-but I'm kicking it to the curb for just one more day.

I will put it back in about every ten responses so it won't be hard for you to find. After you read it, or say it out loud, we invite you to write about your day. You don't have to be polite or supportive or nice-you can rant and rave and get all that anger out. No one is going to judge you. No matter what your mental or physical burden is, maybe it will make things a little easier if you know you don't have to deal with those negative thoughts for the next twenty four hours.

Peace and Love from the Back Pocket Pledge authors.