On World Suicide Prevention Day, Remember It's OK To Not Be OK

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day to be mindful of the problems that we all face in life, and remind those that we love, those that we know, and those that we don't that it's OK to not be OK.

On this day, of all days, it's important to remember some of the facts about mental health and suicide that we need to change.

Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 50 years old and is massively more common among men than women.

There is no one definite cause for this, but 75% of the 5,821 suicides in Great Britain in 2017 involved men. This is why it's important to remember that there is nothing unusual about feeling down, or helpless, and that it's always a better option to talk about things rather than becoming bogged down with them.

There are other factors to consider too.

For example, workers within the construction industry are three times more likely to take their own life than the national average for men.

So, on this World Suicide Prevention Day, take some time to have a think about anyone you know who might be struggling and potentially feels that they can't talk to anyone about it. Tell them that they can and offer them help if you are able.

A statement from the Samaritans charity reads: "When a person reaches a point where they are focused on taking their life, they've often lost sight of trying to find a way through their problems.

"This period usually only lasts a short while and often it doesn't take a huge amount to bring someone back from that decision - something as simple as saying, 'it's OK to talk' can be enough to move someone out of suicidal crisis."

With that in mind, have a chat with a mate, have a chat with a family member - just check they are OK. Remember, it's important to have a think about yourself too, if you're not feeling yourself, remember that you have people that you can call, and people can help.

'U OK M8?' is an initiative from LADbible in partnership with a range of mental health charities which features a series of films and stories to raise awareness of mental health.

Explore more here and don't suffer in silence. Reach out. It's the brave thing to do.

MIND: 0300 123 3393.

Samaritans: 116 123.

CALM: Outside London 0808 802 5858, inside London 0800 58 58 58.

Mental Health Foundation

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Topics: News, U Ok M8?, Mental Health, UK, world

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a freelance journalist and LADbible contributor. He graduated from University of London with a BA in Philosophy before studying for a Masters in Journalism at the University of Salford. He has previously written for the M.E.N Group as well as working for several top professional sports clubs. Contact him on [email protected]

@TPWagwim