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Suicide is the biggest killer of young people, both male and
female, aged under 35 years in the UK. Just let that fact sink in for a minute. THE….. BIGGEST…… KILLER. Yet, we do not talk about suicide openly.  We talk about cancer, we talk about heart disease, and we are just beginning to talk about mental health (we still have a long way to go with this).  Why do we not talk about suicide?  I will tell you why, STIGMA.  Stigma makes people of all ages silent and we need to change this as a matter of urgency.

No-one thinks that their lives will be touched by suicide, but the reality is that it can touch any one of us at any time.  Suicide does not discriminate by gender, race or religion.  It takes anyone and unfortunately, I know this from personal experience.

On the 29th October 2016 my world changed forever.  My precious son David died.  He died by suicide.  David did not ‘commit’ suicide.  Suicide is not a crime.  It hasn’t been a ‘crime’ in this country since 1961.  In July 2018, The High Court ruled that the civil standard of proof (on the balance of probabilities) should now be used by coroners in reaching a conclusion of suicide at inquest, rather than using the criminal standard (beyond all reasonable doubt).  This would mean that there would be more deaths recorded as suicide.  This would give us a truer picture of the numbers of people who actually take their own lives.  In my opinion, one life is too many.  For this ruling to become law, the law now needs to change.  

Vitally raising awareness and fundraising for research for cancer started when we realised that it was a killer and could affect anyone.  We need to do the same for suicide, we need to raise awareness and work towards prevention by raising funds for campaigns and research into this devastating killer. 

Not only does the person who dies by suicide lose their life, those who
love them, family and friends, are devastated too.  I know this only too well.  When David died, I entered into an abyss of grief.  One that I try to cope with every day.  A piece of me died with him.  My broken heart will never heal.  That is just me. David had other close family, his Dad, Sister, Brother, Grandma, Grandad, Aunties, Uncles, his young Nephew and Cousins.  Not only his close family, but the wider family, his girlfriend and his friends, all continue to be deeply affected by his death.  Everyone who knows the person is affected when someone dies by suicide.    

For those people reading this who are thinking about, have thought about or, are contemplating suicide now.  Please know that discussing
your thoughts and feelings is difficult, scary, and even awkward.  It can appear insurmountable for some people, but it is possible.  Trust me when I say, people care about you.  I care about you.  If you are having thoughts of suicide (we call this suicidal ideation), it can be very frightening.  Reach out and ask for help.  I want to help you.

For those of you reading this who are concerned about someone who you think may be having suicidal thoughts. Do you know how to recognise the signs that someone may have suicidal ideation? You can develop this knowledge.  Do you know how to start a conversation about suicide?  Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide will demonstrate that you care about them.  You will not put the idea into their head. You may save their life.  If someone tells you about having suicidal thoughts voluntarily, you may not know how to react, or what to do to help them.  Well this is what we need to talk about.  Help is available for them and for you. 

My son David had mental health problems.  His story was very  complex.  This does not mean that everyone who has mental health problems will have suicidal ideation.  They don’t.  It does not mean that everyone with mental health problems will die by suicide (we sometime say completed suicide) because they don’t.  However, it does mean that anyone who has suicidal ideation or attempts suicide needs help.

Papyrus is a dedicated charity dedicated to preventing death
by suicide in young people.  They provide resources to help young people and promote open conversation about suicide.  They work to help young people and communities gain the skills to both recognise and respond to suicidal thoughts and behaviour.  They run a
helpline (HopelineUK) where there is someone to talk to if you are a young person, or are worried about a young person who has suicidal thoughts and feelings.  Papyrus needs our help.

To that end, I have organised a sponsored walk #HOPEwalk2018, in memory of my son David.  My friends and family are joining me on the 10^th October 2018 and if you want to join us you are welcome.  Come
and join us to start eliminating the stigma of suicide, to start conversations about suicide and to raise funds to help Papyrus continue their life saving work.

Date: 10^th October 2018 (World Mental Health Day)

Time: 6.30pm (Gather from 6pm, to start prompt at 6.30)

Venue: The Boars Head Pub, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0AD

Additional details: Dogs and children welcome.  Please wear
something purple if you can.  Bring a torch, it will be dark.  The walk will
take approximately 1 hour (depending on our pace). If you can’t walk, don’t worry, just come and support us.

Thank you for taking the time and reading this, you are already contributing to raising awareness and suicide prevention by doing
so.  If you feel that you can contribute and help us fund raise, thank you, your donation will help save lives.  If you can’t, or do not want to contribute, I understand but please share the link and spread awareness.    

I am going to do all I can to help in the prevention of suicide because one life lost in this way is too many and the effects of losing someone in this way are far reaching.  My friends, family and everyone who joins me in spreading awareness or, raising funds by undertaking our walk, feels the same way.

Together we can work towards preventing suicide in our communities.

Thank you and best wishes to you all,

Lisa Edwards

Useful links / information:

• Papyrus, Prevention of Young Suicide https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
• HopelineUK 0800 068 4141(if you are in need of confidential
  help and advice for yourself or someone else)
• If you cannot telephone for help you can email: pat@papyrus-uk.org or text SMS: 07786 209697

HOPELINEUK is a specialist telephone service staffed by
trained professionals who give non-judgemental support, practical advice and information to; Children, teenagers and young people up to the age of 35 who are worried about how they are feeling or anyone who is concerned about a young person.