World Mental Health Day is marked by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the 10th October each year, encouraging organisations and communities around the world to come together to raise awareness of how we can create a world where fewer people struggle with mental health or die by suicide.
My family and I have experienced the loss of a loved one through suicide as my brother Simon took his own life in 2018. This has driven my mental health campaigns - from training 100 people in mental health first aid with Mรดn CF Anglesey & Gwynedd , to raising awareness and supporting mental health organisations on the island like Men's Shed and Unlock your You.
World Mental Health Day is also a chance to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.
If someone does let you know that they are having suicidal thoughts, always take them seriously. Let them know theyโre not a burden and thereโs always someone they can turn to โ whether itโs a family member or friend, or a 24/7 helpline like Samaritans
