(Content Warning: This blog post contains discussions about suicide, which may be distressing for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.)
One memorable Saturday night, I found myself immersed in the joy of reconnecting with some old friends over a delightful dine-out. Laughter filled the air as we shared stories and relished each other's company. As the evening drew to a close, I made my way to the closest London Underground station, ready to head home.
Amidst the quiet hum of the train platform with only few people there, my eyes fell upon her—a young woman in her 30s, her beauty marred by streaks of makeup and tears, walking along the yellow line by the edge of the platform. Despite her disheveled appearance, there was an undeniable grace and elegance about her.
Initially, I thought that she might have had a challenging day. Then instinctively, I felt a tug at my heart as I watched her being dangerously close to the edge of the platform. With hesitant steps, she made her way towards the wall, gently setting down her handbag before slipping off her high heels. Then, with measured movements, she began to retreat towards the yellow line again. In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still. The approaching train cast a shadow over the scene, and my stomach clenched with fear. With a calmness I never knew I could possess, I approached her, reaching out with words of reassurance and connection. "Hey there, how are you darling?” I said, my voice soft and gentle. "What a night, huh? I like your bag—it's lovely. What brand is it?"
I don't recall her face clearly, but the intensity in her eyes is carved in my memory. Her eyes, filled with a mixture of pain and vulnerability, met mine, and for a brief instant, our worlds joined. In that moment of connection, I took her arm and guided her away from the edge, back to the wall - to safety. It was a split-second decision, but in that moment, I knew I had to act. Little did I realise, I had just intervened in a stranger's darkest hour, preventing a tragic end to her life with suicide. Looking back, I can still feel the weight of that encounter—the fear, the uncertainty, and ultimately, the profound relief of knowing that I saved a young person’s life.
The aftermath unfolded swiftly as others on the platform became aware of the situation and emergency services were called. I bore witness to the harrowing scene of authorities removing her from the platform and intervening to prevent a further tragedy there which they called for her "safety". In the years following, my involvement in a suicide prevention workshop with Mind in West Essex shed light on the positive changes and improvements implemented in response of authorities to such incidents. Knowing that policies, training, and guidelines have evolved to address these situations with greater compassion and understanding is both reassuring and comforting.
In the following days, as the gravity of the situation settled in, I couldn't shake the feeling of disbelief. I wasn't a hero, nor an angel—just someone who happened to be in the right place at the right time, armed with the knowledge and compassion to make a difference.
Years later, as I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and growth, I found myself drawn to a Suicide Awareness and Prevention workshop with Mind in West Essex. It was there that I uncovered the true impact of my actions that fateful night—and the profound importance of education and awareness in suicide prevention.
Suicide is the leading cause of death in men and women aged under 45 in England. Suicide is a preventable death, indiscriminate and can touch any of us.
Today, I stand as a testament to the power of education and compassion in saving lives. Though I may not wear a cape or bear wings, I am a guardian of hope—a beacon of light in someone's darkest hour. While I may not have all the answers, I am committed to continuing my journey of learning and growth, knowing that each step brings me closer to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Through my own journey of personal and collective healing, I came to understand that silence is the true enemy—a silent killer claiming far too many lives, yet its victims' cries often go unheard, even when they're right beside us. It was during my Suicide Awareness Workshop with Mind in West Essex that I discovered a glimmer of hope and courage—a flicker of light in the darkness. I realised that actually I had the power to navigate difficult conversations surrounding mental health and suicide. I gained invaluable insights to see the warning signs, to recognise the patterns, and to turn my pain into purpose, to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, and to create a community where no one feels alone in their struggles.
You never truly anticipate who may resort to suicide until the stark reality of the act strikes. However, by being vigilant in recognising warning signs and equipped with the ability to engage in open, supportive conversations, you have the power to save lives. Through the workshop, what once felt daunting and uncomfortable became second nature, thanks to the structured training and professional experiences that shaped my understanding and gave me the confidence of breaking the silence.
Mind in West Essex offers trainings, support and education on what we can do. Suicide is everyone's business and therefore as a society we can do our best to provide comfort and support to people who are feeling suicidal.
That's why I decided to organise two events for one cause: PEACEFUL PATHWAYS: Walk For "MIND" on Saturday, 6th April and BREAKING THE SILENCE: Suicide Awareness Workshop and Empowerment With Meditation & Yoga Nidra on Sunday, 21st April.
These are not just couple of ordinary events; it's a movement—a collective effort to break down barriers, foster understanding, and promote mental wellness. Through yoga, meditation, and meaningful conversations, we are creating a safe space where people can come together, learn from each other and find support.
Our goal is clear: to raise £1000 for MIND IN WEST ESSEX by the deadline of April 21st, and to ensure the continuity of this profoundly impactful workshop. With your support, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by mental health challenges. Every penny donated brings us one step closer to reaching our goal and providing vital resources and support to those in need. Together, let's seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact and create positive change. The deadline is fast approaching, so don't wait—take action today and join us in our mission to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
To encourage participation and support for our cause, we offer a range of options including entry tickets for in-person attendance, donation-based contributions on our JustGiving page, sponsorship tickets for those in need, and a donation-based forest walk with full of mindfulness activities. Each option provides a unique opportunity to contribute to mental health awareness and suicide prevention while receiving valuable benefits in return.
Therefore, please do not skip these events! In the face of life's uncertainties, you never know when you may encounter someone in need, or even find yourself grappling with your own mental health challenges. By participating in this workshop, you equip yourself with invaluable tools and insights that could make all the difference in such critical moments. Your decision to attend could be the lifeline someone desperately needs, or it could be the self-care measure that saves your own life. Don't underestimate the significance of this opportunity – register now and empower yourself to navigate life's toughest challenges with resilience and compassion.
Join me on this journey of hope, empowerment and change. Become light of hope in someone’s life. Your higher awareness, contribution, and support can make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health issues. Together, let's break the silence / stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, raise awareness, and create a brighter future for all. You don’t know yet but your presence could make all the difference one day.
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Sign up for our upcoming events and be a part of the change;
BREAKING THE SILENCE: Suicide Awareness Workshop and Empowerment With Meditation & Yoga Nidra on Sunday, 21st April >>>