World Suicide Prevention Day 10th September
When you listen, watch, or read about the state of the world or issues and challenges facing people up and down the country today, you can understand why this day is so important.
Suicide is never the answer. There is another way.
There is always support, help and care available.
We must try and do all we can to get this message across to all who are struggling, or feel that no other option exists.
I was one of four children, and at the age of five, my mum took her own life.
Through my younger years I really struggled with this and played a lot of questions over and over in my mind, trying to make sense of it.
Mentally, I gave my Mum a really hard time, and I never understood why a parent could ever get to the point where they feel there is no option but to leave her life and children.
She was a young nurse that chose to give her spare time to provide telephone support with the Samaritans. She knew and understood the support available – yet it was still not enough.
As I grew older and experienced more of life, I came to believe that my mum’s actions were a cry for help that went terribly wrong. Through my working career I have been aware of a number of suicides and the massive impact this has had to the operational teams and staff involved. Not to mention the effect they had on family and friends.
Very few of us truly know the challenges our colleagues face and that is why I believe we should always:
- Be kind
- Check on people by asking if they are ok, and then ask again
- Observe and listen more
- Know the support available
Together, we can make a difference.
