At CALM we stand together with everyone who’s struggling with life, no matter who they are, where they’re from or what they’re going through.
If you or anyone you know is feeling suicidal, it is vital you get support and it is important you know that you are not alone. One of the hardest and bravest things anyone can do is talk about their own suicidal thoughts and whatever the circumstances, those thoughts must not be doubted or discounted. Anyone can have suicidal thoughts.
Recent events in the media serve as a timely reminder that no one should suffer in silence, and that we must continue to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. As more and more awareness is brought to the issue, we see first hand how this can have a positive impact on the number of people reaching out for help.
We have worked with ITV on a number of hugely positive campaigns and initiatives; This Morning’s championing of Project 84, ITV’s Britain Get Talking and our most recent joint initiative with ITV2 which is dedicated to helping younger people as they deal with the pressures of life and lockdown.
These campaigns have made a tangible impact on the lives of thousands of people across the country, and as awareness has grown we have begun to see the emergence of a more compassionate society which will empower more people to seek the help they need.
But even with growing awareness of mental health issues and suicide, inidividuals that have a platform to share their voice have a duty to act responsibly. We must remain empathetic and understanding and learn from those with lived experiences. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that anyone who needs to ask for help can be completely sure that that request will be met with compassion.
CALM believes we have a duty to protect the vulnerable, especially those experiencing suicidal thoughts who may fear being discounted should they reach out for help. This is why we are deeply disappointed by Piers Morgan’s comments on Good Morning Britain and why we will continue our fight for all those that need help finding their voice to ask for help.
While progress has been made in recent years to change the discourse and help people open up about how they feel, there’s still a long way to go in tackling the stigma surrounding mental health. The tragic rise in suicide amongst men, and women aged 10-24 years old is a poignant reminder of how far there is to go.
It’s why, now, today and tomorrow, we’re doing everything we can to make sure we can show more people there is always hope, always a reason for living. But we can’t do it alone. We’re all connected and this is everybody’s issue. When we’re united we’re stronger and we can do incredible things together. Now, today and tomorrow. United against suicide.
Simon Gunning, CALM CEO
If you’re struggling, talk to CALM on 0800 58 58 58 or through our webchat. Our trained helpline staff are available from 5pm to midnight every day to provide practical support and advice. No matter who you are or what you're going through, It’s free, anonymous and confidential.
You can learn more about suicidal thoughts on our help pages https://www.thecalmzone.net/issues/suicide/ or if you’re worried about a friend or loved one https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/worried-about-someone/