#17 Removing the mask of talking about male suicide with Man On! Inverclyde founder Chris Paul

The topic I am asked most about in my trainings is suicide. There is so much fear, and shame attached to suicide, as well as myths that I was delighted to talk to Chris Paul in this episode who founded and runs a suicide peer support service for men about what we can do to help someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts, as well as someone who is bereaved from suicide.

Chris and his team of volunteers provide a safe space for men to talk, and offload their concerns, where there is no pressure to be anything other than themselves. Chris believes it is this unconditional acceptance which enables people to find acceptance within themselves.

We cover a lot of bumpy ground - what language is OK to use in the space, why suicide rates have risen, and continue to rise amongst men, and the creative interventions that are helping men to face life transitions, addictions, and bereavements which are sometimes behind the brave mask men who are suicidal feel they have to wear to protect others.

It's easy to feel Chris's compassion, and deep empathy for this work, and he is generous with his advice which I hope will be helpful to anyone concerned with this issue.

http://www.manoninverclyde.co.uk
Twitter @manoninverclyde

Connect with Amanda

If you are supporting a bereaved child, or know someone who is, you can purchase my book Helping Children Cope with Loss and Change.

www.amandaseyderhelm.com

https://twitter.com/TheKidDecoder