Following the news on 15th February, about Caroline Flack taking her own life, people took to the internet not only to mourn, but also to suggest that the treatment of the ex-Love Island presenter from tabloids and social media was detrimental or at least in some way a factor in her suicide.
Petitions to Change.org have received just shy of 1 million signatures. One with over 700,000 signatures, calls to safeguard people in the public eye from the media, headed by Hollyoaks actress Stephanie Davis, who speaks passionately in a video attached to the petition. The other focuses on calling for an investigation from the government into tabloids which has received just short of 300,000 signatures so far.
But also, all over social media, there have been trends to be kind, to reach out and many have even taken the first steps in reaching out themselves to be up front with their own mental health issues. Much like Caroline was an advocate in asking for people to #BeKind.
The Samaritans statistics are poignant about speaking out, when you or someone you know, is struggling. The importance of seeking help is justified when seeing that those who attempt suicide or carry it out, only half have ever spoken to a professional about their issues.
One significant factor with suicide and mental health awareness is being able to spot it. 1 in 4 people will be affected by mental health in their lifetimes, so education on the issue is vital.
The biggest way to combat this, is to keep talking abou the issue. By doing this it raises awareness of the issue, the stigma and in turn educating people who don’t necessarily know the differences between mental health issues and being sad.
Thanks to volunteers within the Samaritans amounting to 20,000, and various other charities like MIND, rethink, CALM, young MiNDS, and many more there’s always someone to reach out to. Even when you feel lonely, know that there are plenty of people wanting you to contact them.
Contact Information:
The Samaritans
Tel: 116 123
samaritans.org
Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year. We provide a safe place for anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are, however they feel, whatever life has done to them. Please call 116 123 email [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of the nearest branch.
Shout
Text Shout to 85258
giveusashout.org
Shout is the UK’s first free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
Mind
MindInfoline: 0300 123 3393
mind.org.uk
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Helpline: 0800 58 58 58
thecalmzone.net
