SUPPORT NEEDED

I AM sure I am not alone in feeling saddened following the news about talented jockey Liam Treadwell. Having suffered myself with mental health issues, it always hits me how prevalent it is now and especially during the current crisis. Far too many lives are being taken far too young.

It’s heart-warming to see people putting posts on social media such as #It’sOkToNotBeOk and saying that they’re always there to talk, but when you’re in a dark place this isn’t always something that you think to do.

I would not presume to comment on Liam’s exact case, but in general I feel the first step to managing depression is to recognise that you have it, which isn’t always the easiest when your thoughts are all clouded. Could I instead make a suggestion that people reach out to their friends and family and they call them rather than expecting they will call you if they’re having a bad day?

If you haven’t spoken to someone for some time, why not give them a call and just have a chat? I know that I have certainly been calling my friends and family a lot more during lockdown, which we have all appreciated.

Rachael Fawkes Whixley, N Yorks