Every year, we raise awareness—but what if we changed the conversation for good?

A few years ago, suicide felt like something that happened quietly, out there, to other people. Now? Most of us know someone.

A friend. A family member. A colleague. A neighbour. Maybe not well—but well enough to feel the ripple.

For me, it started with a message about someone I vaguely knew. Then a client mentioned a friend. Then a family member opened up about their own close call. Suddenly, it wasn’t distant—it was here. In our communities. In our circles. We’ve heard the stories.

We’ve seen the empty desk, the sudden silence in the WhatsApp group. We’ve watched the grief take shape in those left behind. It’s not rare anymore. It’s not something we can ignore. And it’s not something that gets fixed with a hashtag once a year.

In South Yorkshire, we still have some of the highest suicide rates in the UK. Behind those numbers are real people—many of them men, many struggling silently, many never making it to retirement. That’s the heartbreak behind the data.

But this blog isn’t about statistics. It’s about something more uncomfortable. It’s about how we respond. Because the truth is, silence still dominates the conversation. Even as awareness grows, even with more campaigns and resources, we still don’t know what to say when someone is struggling. Or what to do when we are.

What does changing the story really mean?

Not just talking about mental health once a year. Not just saying “reach out” and hoping someone does. Not just lighting a candle or wearing a pin. It means this:

• Saying the word “suicide” without flinching
• Naming that someone died by suicide, not “committed” it like a crime
• Asking how are you, really? and staying long enough to hear the answer
• Checking in again—and again—and again
• Acknowledging that alcohol, isolation, money stress, and poor health are all part of this story too
• Being brave enough to say, “I’ve felt that low”
• Holding space for grief that doesn’t wrap up neatly in a timeline

A True Story of Hope on the Edge

If you’ve never seen The Stranger on the Bridge, please take a few minutes to watch it. It tells the story of Jonny Benjamin, who stood on a bridge in London, ready to end his life—until a stranger, Neil Laybourn, approached him with one simple question. That moment changed everything.

“He didn’t try to fix me. He just asked why. And for the first time, I felt like someone saw me—not as a problem, but as a person.” 🎥 Watch The Stranger on the Bridge – Jonny & Neil’s story (YouTube) It’s a powerful reminder that you don’t need the perfect words or professional training to help someone in crisis. You just need to show up. To ask. To care.

Here’s what doing better looks like:

• Call Samaritans – 116 123
• Text SHOUT – 85258
• Use your GP, even if it’s hard
• Ask someone how they are, and mean it
• Visit the Hub of Hope to find local support
• Watch your drinking—alcohol might numb the pain short-term, but it can deepen despair None of these steps fix everything. But they might keep someone here long enough to feel the tide shift.

There is a bigger vision

South Yorkshire’s “Health is Wealth” plan aims to make this the healthiest region in the UK. It outlines specific goals—like reducing long-term sickness, boosting healthy life expectancy, and closing the gap between communities. It talks about adding 15 years of healthy life for men, 11 for women. Increasing life expectancy. Reducing inequalities. It’s a big, bold idea. But that future only happens if more people live long enough to see it. That means accessible services. Paid time off for therapy. Proper crisis response. And it means everyday people like you and me refusing to keep quiet.

Final thought

You don’t have to be a therapist, campaigner, or expert to save a life. You just have to care. To check in. To keep showing up. So if you know someone struggling, let them know: “I don’t have the answers. But I’m here. And I want you to stay.” That sentence could be the start of everything.

PS

If this resonates with you, please share it. Share it in your WhatsApp group. Bring it into your workplace. Because you never know who might be waiting to hear something like this.

Mike Lawrence: Your Guide to Health & Wellbeing

I’m Mike Lawrence, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve dedicated myself to a journey of self-improvement and helping others thrive. From heart-pounding skydives for charity to soul-enriching travels in Thailand, my experiences have shaped my approach to holistic health.

I love sharing the lessons I’ve learned from these adventures and the powerful audiobooks I devour. Let’s explore the paths to better mental and physical health together. Embrace life’s adventures with enthusiasm and resilience, and remember—you’re never alone on this journey!

Feel free to email me at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. For more in-depth insights and inspiring stories, read my latest blogs here. Together, let’s create a healthier, happier future!