TSZ Magazine: July 2016 (Issue #2)

Getting To Know NoMoreScars and NoSuicide

Interview with NoMoreScars

Interviewer: Amanda (AmandaTayteTait)

Interviewed: Saffron (@secretsandtea)

Q: What motivated you to start this campaign?

A: There were all these campaigns on Wattpad where people were trying to help people who were dealing with all sorts of issues, and I was attempting to recover from self-harm at the time. I'd never really had someone to talk to about my issues, and I figured it was worth trying to be there for people with issues I could understand. And there's such a stigma surrounding self-harm, especially within books, that I wanted to make some kind of safe place where people could openly talk about self-harm in the right way. So, I decided to create the NoMoreScars campaign.

Q2: What does what does living with scars mean to you?

A: It means that I have to live with the marks of my decisions every day for the rest of my life, and that, although I shouldn't necessarily be ashamed of what I did, they'll be there to remind me of the fact that there are better and healthier ways to express and deal with my issues.

Q3: What advice would you give someone about to self harm?

A: To someone who has never self-harmed before, I'd say that they need to think before they act. Think about the fact that, when things are better (and they will get better), you'll have to live with reminders of the fact that things got so bad that you felt in necessary to hurt yourself for whatever reason. If you've never self-harmed before, don't start now; don't start ever. The only thing that comes from self-harm is more pain, and that's the last thing you need in your life when things are hard.

To an active self-harmer, I'd say that you need to really think about how it's helping you. When you think about it properly, you'll realize that, yes, you might get a certain amount of relief that lasts for a short amount of time, but what about when that's over? Most people feel worse after the fact, and that's the last thing you need. Stopping is hard, but it's 100% worth it, and you'll thank yourself for stopping every day once things start to brighten up.

Q4: What are your top 5 reasons to live?

A: 5: The little things, like the feeling you get when you have a hot bath or eat your favourite meal or sleep in fresh bed sheets.

4: There are so many books I've left half-read, and there's nothing I'd hate more than to not be able to finish them.

3: The love and support I get from my family reminds me of the fact that there are people who actually want and need me around.

2: My baby brother is the cutest sweetest boy alive, and there's no way I'd ever want to leave him.

1: I want a life. I want to be able to live in that future that almost all people imagined as kids. It might not be the same as how I used to think it would be, but I want it.

Interview with no_suicide

Interviewer: Amanda (AmandaTayteTait)

Interviewed: Khush (@wandering-girl)

Q: What motivated you to start this campaign?

A: My motivation - I have seen many campaigns regarding various problems but I never came across anything that is related to suicide. Every day I hear one news regarding suicide and it really pains me to see people ending their life. There are so many people who have suicidal thoughts. Some talk while some don't. They think that no one understands them. But they need to know that everyone may not be in going through what they are going through but at some point, everyone goes through a time where s/he feels depressed or need someone to talk to. They are not alone. All they have to do is reach out. Every problem has a solution. All we have to do is stay strong and find that solution. I wanted to create a platform where everyone can speak out their thoughts and they can be helped. And pretty soon I'll be publishing a special book for this. Not only this I'll also publish various books about how to overcome depressive thoughts, suicidal thoughts etc but this will take time because I need to do proper research before I publish anything here. I hope this campaign helps as many people as it can.

Q2: What does life after Suicide mean to you?

A: Life after suicide to me is living freely from all the fears. Living your life fully and helping others who are going through suicidal thoughts. Inspiring and motivating others. Living with a purpose in life and fulfilling it.

Q3: What advice would you give a suicidal person?

A: My advice to a person going through suicidal thoughts - You need to speak out. Voice out your thoughts, feeling, emotions. Talk to someone who is mature, n you think he can help you or you can always take help of a counselor. Be strong and optimistic. Never lose. Always remember there's light after darkness.

Q4: What are your top 5 personal reasons to live?

A: My top 5 reasons to live -

a) I love my life.

b) People eat to live & I live to eat. I am a big foodie. While giving this interview also I'm eating. Hahaha!!

c) I want to travel and see the whole world.

d) I have dreams that I want to fulfill.

e) I want to make a meaning out of my life. I want to help as many people as I can.