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Iris's story
Iris's story
Iris has tried to take her own life many times, she lives with severe trauma and stress, following an abusive childhood.
The mum of four from Liverpool began suffering from mental health problems in her early twenties. Now aged 64, Iris hears voices and accepts that she could relapse at any time.
After receiving treatment at a mental health trust, she has devoted her working life to mental health services – being awarded an MBE in recognition of her efforts.
She takes one day at a time but recently suffered a heart-breaking setback when a friend took his own life.
Iris’s mantra is ‘it’s ok not to be ok’ and she is now throwing her support behind REACHOUT – Liverpool, a new suicide prevention campaign.
The campaign is encouraging people to reach out and start a conversation – whether they are worried about someone – or are in crisis themselves. Reach Out Liverpool, launched by Liverpool Public Health, in partnership with Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and Alder Hey Children’s Foundation Trust, reminds us that anyone can have suicidal thoughts, and how talking about suicide could save or change a life.
The campaign aims to raise awareness that suicide is preventable and to remove the stigma surrounding suicide – something which prevents people in crisis reaching out, and those around them from even mentioning the word.
It comes after the city has seen an increase in death by suicide in 2020 – which could have been associated with the impact of Covid-19, and the resulting anxiety from lockdowns, social isolation and job and financial insecurity.
Iris said:
“This couldn’t be more personal to me after what I have experienced and the people I have worked with to help and support over the years.
“I’m still here because people cared. It is so important to be able to talk to someone if you are feeling desperate and it’s crucial that people ask loved ones, friends, work colleagues, or strangers if they are ok if they have concerns.
“I think that sometimes people feel they need to provide advice, or they feel awkward and don’t know what to say, but it can be as simple as ‘are you ok?’ This can open a conversation and give people permission to talk. It could even mean catching the eye of a stranger you may be concerned about to make that connection and take it from there.
“It’s also about not being afraid to broach a difficult subject which can unfortunately be considered taboo for many. This campaign is so important because it also provides people with the tools they need to help.”
REACHOUT contains three key parts: see the problem, say the words, signpost to support. It provides lots of help, tips and support, including an online suicide awareness training developed by the Zero Suicide Alliance. The 20-minute training provides the skills and confidence to help someone who may be considering suicide.
“When you are in such a desperate place as to be having suicidal thoughts, you can feel totally worthless and having someone connect with you can make a huge difference and may save a life,”
“I am very proud to be supporting this campaign and really hope as many people as possible get involved.”
For help and support visit having suicidal thoughts?