Preventability Through Positivity

When suicide strikes a family, the effects are felt for generations. Losing a brother, son, father is something that many find it impossible to recover from. I am aware that mental health or suicide has touched everyone's lives, in one way or another. That being said, for this blog I will try and make this relatable for everyone as possible. I would like to focus on the death of comedian, TV and movie star, Robin Williams.

The death of Robin Williams in 2014 shocked the world. Named by many as the one of the funniest men on the planet, many emotions came to the forefront. Confusion immediately prevails in times of death. The shock of losing someone to suicide is extremely difficult to process, creating questions that may never be answered.

“How could he have committed suicide?

Why did he commit suicide?

He was so funny.

He was so rich.

He was so happy.

He seemed fine.”

As the nation entered into mourning, reflections on Williams' life began. In summer 2014, Mrs Doubtfire was shown on every channel, videos surfaced of his funniest moments, every newspaper paid tribute to the late stars life.

Days pass, then weeks, then what remains?

Robin’s legacy will remain with us, generations past and present. His death sparked public conversations about male mental health, and the silent killer- suicide. It reminded us all that suicide can take the lives of anyone. It reminded us to think about our loved ones, those who we were slightly worried about, and encouraged us to pick up the phone, check in on them, go for that coffee that was always mentioned but never materialised.

Since his death, we have seen many celebrities lose their battle with life, as Chester Bennington, Avicii and Mike Thalassitis have all taken their own lives. As a reaction to suicide, people can often think, “What could I have done?” "What should I have known?"

We are asking you to think “What can I do?” "What should I know?

Poor mental health, depression, suicide. They are not inevitable, they are preventable.

Preventable Through Positivity.

What can you do?

Starting this discussion was always going to be hard, but we hope to bring to you stories, information, questions that may make a difference, no matter how small. If you are worried about a friend, a family member, then talk to them, reach out a hand. There is no right thing to say, necessarily, it’s just about having that conversation with someone and letting them know you’re there for them if they want to talk. If you notice a change in someone’s behaviour, don’t be afraid to say something, be proactive, be positive. A simple coffee, pint, message, can go the extra mile to show someone that there is positivity out there, there is a hand offering support.

What should you know?

If there is anything we could pass onto you, we can start with things to look out for. People, especially men, may not talk about their feelings. This is not necessarily a bad things in all cases. There are signs you may witness in a friend that may explain how he's feeling, not just words. Look out for things like a change in their routine or behaviour. These are obvious things like sleeping or eating less than usual. This also includes little things, like that time your friend bunked off sports practice one too many times, or just didn't feel up for meeting everyone at the Student's Union for 'no reason' again.

Keep an eye out, and a hand outstretched.

I'll finish with the most important thing to know, and to always remember.

You, your friends, your loved ones, no one is ever alone.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858

Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk

Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393

Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41

Samaritans, www.samaritans.org 116 123