We all know the stats, so let’s act. | World Suicide Prevention Day

It’s World Suicide Prevention Day and I am thinking once again about the difficult line between transparency, and downright oversharing, in my professional life*. It would be easier to pretend I have no personal experience with suicide, but in my new role as CEO of Accessible Me Ltd , I feel strongly that speaking up about our mental health is crucial to our growth as a society, in and outside work. I suppose what it boils down to is that you never truly know what your colleagues might be going through. I want us to be mindful of that, kind, and progressive in how we deal with mental health in a professional setting.

So, sparing you the gory details… Yes, I have experienced personal tragedy. Yes, I have experienced abuse. Yes, I have experienced mental health crises. And yes, these things have driven me to the edge...

In the last few years, I have found Better Help a fantastic resource. We are lucky in the modern world to be able to access therapy online, and I think that accessibility is helping thousands of people seek help where they would otherwise have ignored their needs.

For the next three years, the theme for this important day for is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide". It’s about reducing stigma and encouraging the kind of candid conversation that in many cases will be the difference between someone being here tomorrow, and not.

Here are a few things you can do to prevent suicide:

• Check in with your friends - talking about your own feelings might help them open up about theirs
• Share helpful links to crisis lines and counselling services liberally and frequently
• Donate to a mental health charity or raise money and awareness in the office with an event to mark the day
• Seek help early. There is always someone to listen (The Samaritans)

We are getting better at talking about our struggles, but I think we have a long way to go. Today, I’d like to invite you to use this space to share your stories and what has helped you through.

We all know the stats, so let’s act. And keep preventing suicide, one person at a time.