A Munich Re employee Alicja Nocon and her partner Luke have hiked for ten days across the West Highland Way, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September 2019), in order to raise awareness of suicide and mental health along with the much needed funds for accessing mental health help. In the time it took them to start and complete our journey, 180 more people in the UK would have chosen to end their lives.
As a male who is aged under 45 and living in the UK, the most likely reason that Luke will die is if he commits suicide. All external causes of death are less deadly than he is, potentially, to himself. However, suicide is not only a male issue, with female suicide rates in the UK rising and more women attempting suicide than men.
Suicide is a complex issue and every case is unique, yet each one devastates families, loved ones and communities. Alicja experienced this first-hand, when a member of her family took his own life in June 2012.
Suicide is not inevitable. It is preventable. That is why we have decided to dedicate our time and energy in order to raise the awareness of and so much needed funds for UK charities who educate and support people when they are at their most vulnerable.
‘Samaritans’ offers a safe place for anyone to talk, any time of the day. They don't label, judge or diagnose. In our always-switched-on lives – complemented by perfected social media lies, breakneck speed routines and anxiety-inducing world news – they can be a literal lifeline.
Not everyone who is suicidal has a mental health problem. Yet, every year 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health illness. For those in need, ‘Mind’ provides advice and support to individuals, campaigns to improve services, raises awareness and promotes understanding of mental health.