What to do when hope feels lost.

CW: Suicide, Suicidal Ideation, Self Harm I saw a raft of posts the other day from Andy’s Man Club, with the devastating news that one of their group facilitators had taken his own life. I don’t know who, or where he was, but my heart reaches out to him, his loved ones, and the wholeContinue reading “What to do when hope feels lost.”

Recovery – Uncovering – Discovery

What is recovery? What does it mean to recover? It depends what we are recovering from of course. And what we are trying to recover. People who are seeking to break free from addiction often talk about being “in recovery”. It’s not a destination, it’s a journey. Is it possible to say one is noContinue reading “Recovery – Uncovering – Discovery”

Holding on to this Wonderful Life

CW/TW Suicidal ideation I don’t get to spend Christmas at home every year, we alternate, as do many people, between parents and in-laws and home. So far I think we’ve spent only two here together, and we’re trying to develop some traditions. Every year Hebden Bridge Picture House plays “It’s A Wonderful Life” on ChristmasContinue reading “Holding on to this Wonderful Life”

Cause of Death – not just suicide we need to worry about.

I was just checking to see if there were any updated statistics yet on the number of suicides in the UK – not yet. I wanted to see if last year’s slight reduction was the beginning of a trend or just a blip. Anyway – I found myself perusing the figures, and also those forContinue reading “Cause of Death – not just suicide we need to worry about.”

MHFA Higher Education

Going to university can be a wonderful time. Exciting, life changing, memorable. But it can also be a difficult time. A perfect storm of factors colliding, and it doesn’t always go smoothly: Leaving home – family & friends – your support network up to this point Having to make new friends – maybe struggling toContinue reading “MHFA Higher Education”

Death and Statistics

They’re quite effective, I think – those “kill your speed, not a child”, or “don’t drink and drive” adverts we see on our televisions each year. Especially around Christmas, when there is a little too much festive spirit in our veins, and a stark reminder of how suddenly our loved ones can be snatched fromContinue reading “Death and Statistics”