Inspire, hope & supporting others; what can you say you've done?

Sometime sharing your story, even though it may be painful, and you can leave yourself open, is invigorating and genuinely gives others hope. Having shared this article, three weeks ago www.linkedin.com/pulse/increase-male-suicides-dont-let-your-gp-fob-you-off-ever-ramsden I’ve had 100s of messages like the one below for a chap in his 50s.

“Let’s be clear; you are one of the good guys who through your work from Sutton United Networking through to your mental health initiatives is making a positive difference to other peoples’ lives. So just let me know what you need. Both I and folks I work with have had periods over the last year where we have struggled with motivation and focus. And I have found it really draining, not just tiring, which increases stress level baldly. So look after yourself my friend, rest and do let me know if, how and when I can help. (And I have been reading your stuff on LinkedIn about the surgery. Unbelievable, isn’t it!)”

What my ‘coming out’ has created is a ‘safe space’ for people to come forward, especially men, and talk about their feelings. I am happy to exposure myself to ridicule and criticism if what I’m doing helps others. Random strangers have sent me messages thanking me for raising awareness and giving certain demographics a voice. I have had emails from people who’ve been sectioned by law under the mental health act to people seriously contemplating suicide whether that be 10 years ago or right now. I believe I’ve given these people hope.

My only interest is to save lives and raise awareness of suicide rates spiking in men between the ages of 30-50. It Is harrowing and the biggest killer within this demographic. I am not trying to be a hero, get awarded an MBE or have my ego massaged; quite the opposite. We all have a duty of care to raise awareness and support highly vulnerable people.

What can you say that you’ve done to help others?