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Bill W.

makes two attempts to jump from the skyway.
updated 06.05.17
06.05.17, Bill W., St Petersburg, FL., (regarding: 6/4/17 Jumper), Skyway, I wanted to concur with Sean B. - I know from experience. February and April of 2014 I got to the top of the Skyway Bridge and both times, looked over and nearly ended my life.
Both times I went to hospital (Baker acted), spent 1 year thereafter homeless in St Pete area, finally made decision to get back into college, resume my career in IT. 3 years later, I do not speak to my family (personal reasons), have been seeing therapists/doctors and have taken all kinds of medicines most of my adult life, tried attending AA for 20 years, tried many religions and churches. At the end of the day, none of these things have helped, I have not been on meds for 2 1/2 years, still struggle with major depression. I do not even bother seeing a therapist anymore.
Today i still want to "end the pain", however taking my life is not the solution. I share my experiences with others - was given student of the year award at college because of my story. I spoke for local homeless shelter at an event, to share my experience. I know when others simply say "get help" their motives are great, but in the end, I had to help myself. I wake up daily with this depression, have good job again in IT and still in college getting network certification, but I struggle.
I avoid being around negativity, but unless one has been there, on top of that bridge looking down 200 ft, they will never know the pain. Thanks to this site though, I see the pain it causes others, have had family member commit suicide, I know the void it leaves. Others, unless they have walked in these shoes will never know the pain. BUT - suicide will not solve my problems.
I did not have the balls to jump, I am smart, loving, caring. I struggle with interpersonal relationships, but I know by keeping myself alive everyday, and just enduring the hardships, eventually it may get better.
I could go on, but with no family nor many friends it is extremely hard at times, the things I saw while homeless for a year was crazy. Holidays are the hardest, but soon I will find a lovely woman that is accepting of me and my depression. When I have to drive over the bridge (only live few miles from it) if I saw someone stopped, I would pull over and simply walk up, let them know I was there and hug them. I could not put myself through the physical pain of that type of death, nor any type of suicidal death.
Sadly, you will notice a pattern when one person jumps, usually another follows day or two later. There is no solution, people will jump. I am glad your site is here, it is a reminder to me that I want to stay alive. Thank you, btw someone created Youtube videos about skyway jumpers to remember them. (those videos have been removed.)

06.05.17, hello bill, thank you for your story about your continuing battle with depression. with any luck, perhaps others will read it and use it as a guide to follow suite.
   we appreciate your observation that,
"Thanks to this site though, I see the pain it causes others, have had family member commit suicide, I know the void it leaves. Others, unless they have walked in these shoes will never know the pain. BUT - suicide will not solve my problems." and later, "I am glad your site is here, it is a reminder to me that I want to stay alive." there are those that seem to think we lead people to the bridge by the hand and shove them off.
   hang in there, bill. keep fighting the good fight and we sincerely hope you do find the happiness and love you seek and deserve.
   if you wish to further communicate, please do not hesitate to contact us again.

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