I feel its important for people to learn how to help someone who is having a mental health crisis and more importantly the impact of turning away someone at crisis point. There is still such stigma surrounding mental health. Which means that some people just don’t reach out for fear of the reaction they may get. So far in my life I’ve reached out to 5 people which resulted in them immediately walking out of my life. Despite some of them being the cause of my problem. I was in a real crisis and desperately needed support. I don’t know why they walked away. Guilt possibly?
I am the type of person if you need me I will drop everything to be there for you. Regardless. I would do that for anyone in my life, past or present. If I ever cared for you once, I will always care. Even if you aren’t in my life anymore. I do it for strangers, supporting as many people as I can through my online community
Recently I was in desperate need of support. It didn’t come from the people or places you might think. It came from people whom I have never met. Earlier in the year I was in crisis. Paul’s Army all rallied round and helped me through. My community here also supported me. It amazes me how strangers whom you’ve never met can offer you more kindness, compassion and support than the people who are physically in your life day to will.
My situation made me think about how many people we lose to suicide. How many suicides could be prevented? How many reached out for help and were let down like me?
Our mental health is as important as our physical health. Despite 1 in 7 adults in the UK suffering from a mental health condition. Why is there still such stigma attached to mental illness?
Sometimes a cuppa and a blether can help more than you realise. And what’s an hour out of your day? Not alot. A little kindness goes a long way. It takes a lot for someone to reach out and admit they need help. Please don’t turn them away.
Suicide Helplines
• Phone: 116 123 (available 24/7)
• Email: jo@samaritans.org
• Website: Samaritans
• Description: Offers emotional support to anyone in distress or at risk of suicide throughout the UK and Ireland.
2. Breathing Space
• Phone: 0800 83 85 87
• Hours:
• Monday to Thursday: 6pm – 2am
• Friday 6pm – Monday 6am (24 hours over the weekend)
• Website: Breathing Space
• Description: A free, confidential phone and web-based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression, or anxiety.
3. NHS 24 Mental Health Hub
• Phone: 111 (available 24/7)
• Website: NHS 24 Mental Health Services
• Description: Provides mental health services, including listening, offering advice, and guiding you to further help if required.
4. National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
• Phone: 0800 689 5652 (available 24/7)
• Description: Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide throughout the UK.
5. SOS Silence of Suicide
• Phone: 0300 1020 505
• Hours:
• Friday to Monday: 8pm – Midnight
• Description: Supports children and adults struggling with poor mental health and suicidal ideation.
6. Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
• Phone: 0800 58 58 58
• Hours:
• Daily: 5pm – Midnight
• Website: CALM
• Description: Aims to help people in the UK who are down or in crisis through limited-hour phone and webchat options.
7. Brothers In Arms
• Website: Brothers In Arms
• Description: A Scottish charity dedicated to supporting men’s mental health, offering resources and support to help men before they reach a crisis point.
8. Lifelines Scotland
• Website: Lifelines Scotland
• Description: Provides support and resources for emergency responders and their families in Scotland, focusing on mental health and well-being.
9. NHS Inform
• Website: NHS Inform
• Description: Scotland’s national health information service, providing a range of resources on mental health support and services.
10. Zero Suicide Alliance
• Website: Zero Suicide Alliance
• Description: Offers resources and training to help prevent suicide, including guidance on how to support someone in crisis.
Orkney Fibromyalgia Sufferer 