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Naked Leader Week 889 – 14 September 2020

Time to read: 1 minute

Last Thursday 10^th September was World Suicide Prevention Day – with the alarmingly increasing numbers of people who die by suicide, a key point made on that day by The Samaritans, was that every day must be such a prevention day.

Data, figures and statistics are one thing, what drives any single human being to choose to take their own life, is another.

A group of Singaporean mothers who lost children to suicide have formed a group called ‘Please Stay’  to help remove the stigma around mental illness and having suicidal thoughts.

In our work with experts in the NHS and with The Samaritans, 3 of the key actions we can each take are:

1. Let people know its ok not to be ok – that saying “I feel depressed” is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of great strength.
2. To be kind – a moment given to another could save a life – it could make someone stop and think.

For both of the above always seek help, the struggle doesn’t need to be alone – see below.

3. Give people hope – hope is seen by many Psychologists and Psychiatrists as the single biggest factor in moving people towards happiness, and away from despair. There is an oft used phrase in business that ‘Hope is not a strategy’ – when it comes to helping people move away from thinking the unthinkable, it most certainly is.

With thanks to NHS Essex Partnership University Trust, The Samaritans and Rachel Jones for her comments on LinkedIn.

With my love and best wishes to you all

David

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If you, or someone you know, have been affected by mental health issues, please visit:

www.samaritans.org – or call free on 116 123

www.befrienders.org – or call free on 116 123 for UK – local country numbers on website