Every year on 10 September, World Suicide Prevention Day gives us an opportunity to talk openly about suicide, mental health and, importantly, the support that is available.
But these conversations cannot be limited to one day.
Behind the colleague who turns up for every shift, the mate who is always making everybody laugh, or the person who simply says “I’m fine” when asked how they are doing, there can be pressures that nobody else sees.
Problems at work, financial worries, relationships, loneliness, bereavement, physical health and mental health can all become overwhelming.
Sometimes, simply telling somebody that you are struggling can feel like the hardest part.
You do not need to wait until you reach crisis point
One of the most important messages we can share with our members is that support is not reserved for somebody who has reached breaking point.
You are allowed to ask for help before things reach that stage.
That could mean talking to a partner, family member, friend or colleague. It could mean speaking to your GP, reaching out to a specialist organisation, attending a peer support group or speaking confidentially with your union about pressures you are experiencing at work.
There is no single right way to start the conversation.
There are, however, organisations ready to listen.
Suicide Prevention UK
Suicide Prevention UK provides support to people struggling with their mental health or experiencing thoughts of suicide, as well as people who are worried about somebody else.
Its National Suicide Prevention Helpline is staffed by trained volunteers who provide a confidential, non judgemental listening service.
You can call 0800 587 0800 between 6pm and midnight every evening. In a life threatening emergency, call 999.
You can also find information, support and guidance through the Suicide Prevention UK website.
Support specifically for men
Talking about mental health can be difficult for anybody, but we also know how important it is to create spaces in which men feel able to talk openly about what they are experiencing.
ANDYSMANCLUB provides free peer to peer support groups for men aged 18 and over across the UK.
Groups meet at 7pm every Monday, excluding bank holidays, with online groups also available. There is no cost, no booking requirement and no expectation that somebody has to be experiencing suicidal thoughts or have a diagnosed mental health condition to attend.
Sometimes you might simply need somewhere to talk about what is going on in your life.
Someone will listen
Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
You do not need to have reached a particular level of distress before calling. Their volunteers are there to listen without judgement or pressure.
For urgent mental health support in England, you can also call NHS 111. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can help people access appropriate physical or mental health support.
If you believe that you or somebody else is in immediate danger, call 999.
Your union is part of your support network too
Your CWU representative is not a replacement for professional mental health support.
But your union can still be an important part of the support around you.
Work can sometimes be part of what somebody is struggling with. Pressure, workload, attendance issues, bullying, workplace relationships, organisational change, sickness absence and worries about job security can all affect how somebody feels.
If something happening at work is affecting you, speak to your branch.
We can listen, help you understand your workplace rights, provide representation where appropriate and help you identify where additional support may be available.
Most importantly, you do not have to wait until a workplace problem has become unmanageable before asking for advice.
Look out for each other
Suicide prevention is not about having the perfect words.
Sometimes it begins with noticing that somebody has changed.
Asking how they are.
Listening to the answer.
Checking in again.
And making sure that people know where they can turn when things become difficult.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, check in on your colleagues, your mates and the people around you.
And remember to check in with yourself too.
If you are struggling, please talk to somebody. You do not have to carry everything on your own.