For World Suicide Prevention Day I tell my story.

I'm no real fan of Awareness Days because people with illnesses and life issues are aware of them every day, and so must we be if we really want to make a difference. That said today is World Suicide Prevention Day, the theme is take a minute, change q life, save a life, and because of that I'm telling my story because I know it can make a difference.

I have Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, CPTSD, and a few years ago I was so unwell that I struggled through the most simple tasks. I asked the professionals around me  for extra help, only to be told that I needed to make more effort, I said I was scared I would hurt myself.  Things came to a head when I was told by a professional that people like me annoyed him because we didn't help ourselves. I then asked for immediate help as I felt at risk only to be told to go away. I took an overdose, I didn't  want to die, I needed help.

From what was my lowest point my life changed. The paramedics who helped me made a point of asking how I was whenever they came back into A&E that day. The family member who sat with me, and got loads of grief, but just took it, and the nurse who smiled at me, all made a difference. Back home I'll never forget the helpline worker who just listened and told me about different support I could have, I tried everything I was offered, and it made a difference, I got the help I needed and the people helping me listened and worked my way. It wasn't all mental health support. Sometimes it was as simple as having a cup of coffee with someone.

I thank everyone of those people they helped me save me. I know that if I had been listened to and supported when I first struggled, it probably wouldn't have happened. What happened to me is the reason I ask you to take a minute, and change a life, save a life not just today but every day. Many of those who helped me weren't mental health professionals, they just cared.

Not everyone is the same

Depression and for that matter any mental health condition is as individual as the people who live with it.

Making assumptions that people can't do those things or that they can does them a disservice and is disrespectful. In reality  many may be able to do these things or others, to varying degrees on some days, if they can't on others, perhaps with support or adjustment. Many have good and bad days but what this means is individual too. Just because someone can work or go shopping it doesn't mean their condition isn't serious or real, just they can do that at that moment. Similarly someone who can't isn't giving up, not capable, or not trying, they just can't do it now.

It isn't helpful to say cheer up, take exercise or change your diet, for example, its a serious health condition and feeling better may take a long time. Better may also not mean not having any symptoms, or never havig it again.  Better is relative and different for everyone.  Each person knows their situation and needs best.

Talking about mental health ends stigma and helps others do the same.

Student police officers get insight into Mental Healthcare

Student police officers training locally get a week long  mental health  placement at a Cornish hospital, where they work with ward staff supporting patients. The scheme is  supported by the Home Treatment Team.

Its a start although I'd like to see longer placements and the scheme extended to serving officers, including senior officers who make decisions about how those with mental health needs are dealt with when they come into contact with the police. It should also become a national scheme.

In time we might then see fewer people inappropriately placed in police cells when they need treatment. This may also improve attitudes and provision for those who commit crimes where mental health is a factor, that could also improve outcomes  for victims, and reduce reoffending.

Better support for witnesses affected by mental health issues wouldn't go amiss either, having been one more than once, I found some experiences terrifying, and wondered seriously, at least once, if I would be locked up! The police officer was irritated because an anxiety disorder made me talk too fast for him to write.

I also want officers to work with potential and ex offenders affected by mental health issues and those who support them, proactively and sensitively to prevent crime.

Thats my wish list, and I'm probably asking too much of a fledgling scheme.  As a start, if this scheme increases understanding of mental health issues among officers,  and improves the police related experiences of those living with mental health conditions it will make a difference.

Story via Services in Cornwall