World Mental Health Day- Breaking The Silence and Stigma Around Mental Health And Suicide For Single Dad’s By Billy Sullivan

As a single dad, I know how hard it can be to cope with the challenges of parenting, work, and life in general. Sometimes, it feels like there is no one to talk to, no one who understands, no one who cares. But I also know that I am not alone, and that there are many other men out there who struggle with their mental health.

That's why I want to share my story with you today, on World Mental Health Day. This is a global event that aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and to support those who are experiencing them. This year's theme is 'Mental health is a universal human right', which means that everyone deserves to have access to quality mental health care and support.

According to the latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around three-quarters of suicides in 2021 were males (4,129 deaths; 74.0%), which is consistent with long-term trends. The suicide rate for males was 16.0 deaths per 100,000, while for females it was 5.5 deaths per 100,000. Among males, the age group with the highest suicide rate was 50 to 54 years (22.7 deaths per 100,000), while among females it was 45 to 49 years (7.8 deaths per 100,000).

These figures are shocking and heartbreaking. They show that there is still a huge stigma around mental health, especially for men, who may feel pressured to hide their emotions and appear strong. They also show that there is still a lack of adequate mental health services and support for those who need them.

I know this from personal experience.  The breakdown of my relationships left me feeling overwhelmed by grief, loneliness, stress, and guilt. I felt like I had failed as a father and as a partner. 

I didn’t know how to cope or what to do & ended up isolating myself from my friends and family. I didn't want to admit that I was struggling or ask for help. I thought that would make me weak or pathetic. I thought that I had to be strong for my kids and for myself - the things society would suggest I should be by default simply because I am a man. 

I had dark thoughts. I questioned whether my kids would be better off without me. I felt hopeless and helpless.

I was made aware of SPW & reluctantly attended their Wellbeing Workshops. I told myself this really wasn’t my sort of thing & was very doubtful that it was going to help me in any way. I had to do something though & I’m so glad I did. It helped me more than I ever imagined it would.

It has been a difficult journey, but I am glad that I took that first step to get help. It potentially saved my life and made me a better father for my kids. It also made me realise that mental health is not something to be ashamed of or ignored. It is something to be taken seriously and treated with respect and compassion for both men & women. 

That's why I am sharing my story with you today, on World Mental Health Day. I want to raise awareness about the importance of mental health for everyone, especially for men who may feel alone or afraid to seek help. I want to break the silence and stigma around mental health issues and suicide. I want to encourage anyone who is struggling with their mental health to reach out for help. 

You are not alone. You are not weak. You are not worthless.

You are human.

You deserve mental health care and support.

You deserve happiness and hope.

You deserve life.

I hope you enjoyed reading my blog post. If you did, please share it with your friends and family, and on social media. You never know who might need to hear this message.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please call Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK and the Republic of Ireland) or contact other sources of support, such as those listed on the NHS help for suicidal thoughts webpage, or SPW mental health resources page. Support is available around the clock, every day of the year, providing a safe place for you, whoever you are and however you are feeling.

Thank you for reading and happy World Mental Health Day!