Jas is the big one here.

totally agree on this one

This is beautiful!

thank you!

Ow. That hits real close.

For real, though, this is a fantastic example of intervention. When someone resorts to suicide, 99% of the time, it's not something they want, and a lot of the time, adding an obstacle and reminding them of a reason to stick around is the best method to keep them safe in that moment. Hospital is a great next location, because they'll keep the person safe for longer. The biggest thing is "Safe for now", which is the best thing the average person can do, followed by getting the person professional help.

you're right. I wish there will be such an "obstacle" for everyone who's on the edge now

I've always had a soft spot for Shane. He doesn't understand people's genuine interest in him, because he can't see himself as interesting. He can't see past how he feels about himself. So he pushes people away.
But he is interesting. Once you prove that you're not there to gawk at him he lets you in.
His story feels the most real to me. It feels relatable. Who hasn't dredged the depths of their very being and found themselves lacking? Who hasn't fought with despair and lost, even for a moment?
Shane

agree on this! hope he understood this time that at least one peron is interested in him being alive

In my own opinion, this chapter is one of the most important and touching parts in the whole Simple Values comic story. The events that follow show a very desperate boy, looking for answers about himself and why he must continue to live, why he's trying so hard if not able to take control of his life and why everything is so damn high to overcome. Shane thus finds himself at a crossroads: to end his suffering in an instant by throwing himself into the void from those cliffs, or to continue fighting for those who need him, to live for his loved ones, like Jas, and his best friends. Like Kyle. The only one who saw that light in Shane, the only one who currently said the right thing to support a desperate friend. To the hospital is the next destination, Shane will bloom again and Kyle in his heart knows this. 😉

Amazing panels and lots of emotions, great episode Mittens! 🧡

thanks a lot <3
before I started SV I've asked myself if I really want to show social problems we face and personality struggles in an adventure tale. but the bachelor of psychology in me said "you are not writing about utopia with unicorns, you are doing a slice-of-life story and making characters that readers can relate to", so.. here we are

You're welcome dear 🧡
Understand what you mean and why you've asked yourself such important question before starting SV. I always appreciate slice-of-life stories where we can relate part (or more) of our real life to the characters that so much we like to follow their adventures. Great choice, Mittens! 😊👍

In the present time, when more and more people are having depression and suicidal intentions, it's important not just to be a friendly person, but an encouraging one who shows interest towards other people's lives. A small worry goes a long way and can snowball into serious anxiety, hopelessness, and constant sadness. However, a hug, a small act of kindness done sincerely, also goes a LONG way.

People who resort to taking their own life feel left aside, that whether they die or not, it doesn't matter because the world does not need them and they have no more hope for a place in the world.

We should not try to 'help' these people by telling them they are idiots to hate themselves, or that they just need to try harder. They've already tried their hardest.
Like Kyle, what we should do instead is to make our suicidal friends aware that there are people who care for them, that there are many happy things they might miss forever if they carry out their plan, and most importantly, that we, and the world will lose something if they are gone, because they are a small part of us. Their lives are with meaning, not just an accident or a joke.

I hope everyone who sees this piece will take a moment to think if there is someone who is struggling through life and needs help. This is how meaningful art can be!

THIS
like I said before, I highly respect people who can take responibility to talk to those who fight in an inner battle they can't win
I know this comic strip is just a part of the story. but if it really can help somebody to break through their darkest times then my existence is worth something

I agree with all of the other commenters here. This scene is really important, not just for the story, but for anyone who might be faced with such a situation. Thank you for sharing this very heartfelt comic panel.

thank you so much <3 everybody is stronger than they think of themelves, so there's the reminder I guess

when you thought you were already at the bottom of the bottle
but you never stopped sinking