Hey, you legends! Steve Whittle here, the guy behind Tough To Talk. Buckle up, because we're about to take a bumpy ride through the messy world of the suicide crisis.
10th of September - World Suicide Prevention Day. Sounds grand, doesn't it? But let's get real. If we truly believed suicide was preventable, wouldn't EVERY day be World Suicide Prevention Day?
In our lovely UK, we lose roughly 18 beautiful souls to suicide every single day1. Not just numbers, my friends. These are people with dreams, hopes, and stories left untold.
Breaking Chains, Not Profits
So why the hell aren't we seeing changes? Is it because there’s more cash in the till from things that keep us mentally ill than from fixing it? Big Pharma rakes in billions from mental health meds2. Are we just putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound?
It's time to think differently about mental health and crisis. To see it as the important, but often overlooked part of our lives that it is. The caring conversations we all deserve and need. Together, let’s create a generation where mental health isn't something to be ashamed of or hidden away. A place where talking about your feelings is just normal, everyday life.
I'm ready to do my part - I'm working on creating a movement that provides access to cultural change in communities and companies with resources for people around the world. Tough To Talk is creating an army of Tough Talkers through our Suicide intervention training who want to stop suicides at the thought process stage.
I guess men are just expendable?
And here's another kick in the teeth. Most suicides? They're blokes3. Yes, us men, the "strong ones," are dying in silence. Is it because society sees us as expendable? Too macho to feel pain? Too manly to ask for help? Whatever the reason, we have to call it out and change it.
That's why Tough To Talk is working with companies and communities, so they can provide access to resources, support, and much more so that men can feel good talking about their feelings. We want everyone to know that there are people who care and places where they can get help.
Bollocks to that!
What if we said "sod off" to symptom treatment and focussed on prevention? Invested in early intervention, access to mental health services, and smashing the stigma?
And how about we make it okay for us blokes to show vulnerability? Start yapping about mental health in pubs, at footie matches, and Sunday family dinners?
This World Suicide Prevention Day, let's not just wear a bloody ribbon. Let's roll up our sleeves and get stuck in. Because even one mate lost to suicide is one too many.
But hey, what do I know? I’m just a bloke who’s tired of losing mates and decided to do something about it. So, over to you. How do you reckon we can tackle this bugger?
Remember, it's okay not to be okay. Reach out, speak up, and let's have each other's backs, yeah?
Stay safe, stay strong, and let's bloody well fight this fight together.
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