The Silent killer #Project84

The Tragic Reality of Male Suicide

Male suicide is the biggest killer of men between 20 and 49, eclipsing road accidents, cancer and coronary heart disease. This week, one of the 84 men who die weekly was a beloved school friend. This is the third school friend lost to suicide over the last 20 years, which is heartbreaking because I have seen the devastation caused and the fragments of broken lives having to be put back together by their families, friends and colleagues.

Breaking the Silence: Why We Need to Talk

Even though a circle of friends has seen the damage suicide causes, we still never stopped to ask, "Are you okay?" We just bit our lips, dusted off the harsh reality of lost friendships, and battled our own challenges and demons, never once considering that perhaps we needed to talk. With all of my heart, I do not want another sister, brother, mother, wife, family, colleague, or friend to suffer in silence.

Finding and Offering Support

I know we are all busy and do not want to burden our colleagues, friends, or families with our problems, but if a problem shared can lead to somebody seeking help, then I am here. I am present and here to support because it may hurt today, tomorrow, or maybe this month, but pain is temporary, and by the simple act of sharing what's important to us, it may lead to helping save a life.

For more information or support, contact Samaritans or me (0845 790 9090, samaritans.org) or Mind (0300 123 3393, mind.org.uk). Or if you have lost a loved one and need support please go here.