THE POSITIVE PROFESSOR
SOCIAL media’s voice of calm Karol Sikora has been signed up by the Daily Express. Readers can now enjoy his soothing advice in these troubled times that have won him hundreds of thousands of followers on Twitter. If you need reassuring everything’s going to be all right read Professor Positivity.
ONE of the most powerful interviews I have seen recently was from the Conservative MP Owen Paterson.
Last June, Owen’s wife Rose tragically took her own life. The family did not suspect any severe psychological troubles and it came as a shock to everybody. They have recently founded the Rose Paterson Trust to raise money and awareness, and campaign for changes in how we approach suicide.
Watching Owen’s various media interviews has made me think more about mental health issues than anything else in the past year.
He is clearly utterly devastated but he passionately believes that so many suicides can be avoided. He is saying, “No suicide is inevitable.”
The family had no idea how much Rose was suffering and it just makes you think how many others are going through exactly the same thing.
If you are feeling overwhelmed then please reach out.
Help is always there for those who ask for it, whether it be through mental health charities such as the Samaritans, loved ones or trusted friends.
Far too often people suffer in silence and that solves nothing. Friends and family may spot troubling signs but depression can be easy to hide and can often go unnoticed in this busy world.
This pandemic has put an enormous strain on people’s mental health – something I don’t think the authorities have quite grasped the significance of.
For some, it will have the most severe consequences.
I have the utmost respect for Owen and his family for using their own horrific experience to encourage others to reach out. It will no doubt save lives.
Suicide, cancer and other dreadful issues will continue to take thousands of lives every year, Covid or no Covid.
Through having these vital conversations we can hopefully reduce harms from all causes, not just one.