The back story Interview Support in preventing self harm and suicide

Summary

The video features two individuals sharing their personal experiences with depression and suicidal thoughts. Lucy, a primary school teacher, talks about feeling isolated during her school years and at home, leading to self-harm and a sense of not belonging. Lance, a chef, recounts his battle with substance abuse, depression, and a close call with suicide. He describes the struggle to open up due to societal norms about masculinity but ultimately finds hope through his children and support during lockdown. Both stories highlight the importance of addressing mental health and breaking the stigma around expressing emotions.

Takeaways

• 👨‍🏫 Lucy, aged 26, is a primary school teacher who experienced feelings of isolation due to family dynamics and school issues.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Lucy felt like an outsider at home because her younger siblings received more attention, leading to feelings of loneliness.
• 🏫 At school, Lucy's self-harm was misunderstood and ridiculed by some, exacerbating her feelings of isolation.
• 🤔 Lucy's thoughts of suicide were fueled by a lack of understanding and support from her peers and family.
• 👨‍🍳 Lance, aged 37, is a chef who struggled with drug addiction and depression after leaving his family home.
• 💊 Lance used drugs as a coping mechanism to deal with his emotions and the pressures of his lifestyle.
• 🚫 Lance's father's tough upbringing taught him to suppress emotions, which contributed to his struggle with expressing his feelings.
• 🚶‍♂️ Lance had a near-death experience on the roof of a building, which served as a wake-up call for him.
• 🚌 Lance had another life-saving moment when he narrowly avoided being hit by a bus, which he attributes to divine intervention.
• 💬 Lance emphasizes the importance of opening up and talking about one's feelings, challenging the stigma around men expressing emotions.
• 👥 Lance believes in surrounding oneself with supportive people who encourage open communication about mental health.

Q & A

What challenges did Lucy face during her school years?

Lucy struggled with friendship issues and felt like an outsider both at school and home. She felt that her younger siblings received more attention, making her feel neglected.

How did Lucy's feelings of isolation impact her mental health?

Lucy's isolation made her feel like no one listened to her, leading to self-harm. When others found out, instead of support, she faced ridicule, worsening her situation and leading to suicidal thoughts.

What specific thoughts did Lucy have during her lowest points?

Lucy questioned her existence, wondering if her absence would make any difference since she felt disconnected from her friends and family.

What external pressures did Lance face that led to his mental health struggles?

Lance's heavy involvement in drug use and a constant party lifestyle contributed to his declining mental health. He also struggled with the societal expectation of being emotionally tough, as instilled by his father.

How did Lance's upbringing affect his approach to emotions?

Lance was raised by his father, who believed that men should not show emotions or cry. This belief caused Lance to suppress his feelings, which contributed to his drug abuse and eventual mental breakdown.

What event served as a turning point for Lance during his crisis?

While sitting on the edge of a building, contemplating suicide, Lance saw his reflection and thought of his oldest son. This moment prevented him from jumping and marked the beginning of his realization that he needed help.

What role did Lance's family play in his recovery process?

Lance's family, particularly his sons, played a significant role in motivating him to stop his destructive behaviors. The thought of his family made him reconsider his actions and eventually led him to seek recovery.

How did the COVID-19 lockdown affect Lance’s mental health and recovery?

The lockdown gave Lance the opportunity to return home, quit drugs cold turkey, and reconnect with his family. He credits this time with saving his life and helping him recover.

What did Lance learn about mental health through his experience?

Lance realized that it’s important for men to talk about their feelings, despite societal pressures to remain stoic. He learned that opening up to someone he trusted was crucial in his recovery.

What advice does Lance offer to others who are struggling with similar issues?

Lance advises not to be ashamed of discussing feelings and to ensure that people in one's circle are supportive. He emphasizes the importance of talking about mental health and finding strength in vulnerability.