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SOAP HIGHLIGHTS MALE SUICIDE
HOLLYOAKS HIGHLIGHTS MALE SUICIDE
Hollyoaks raised the issue of male suicide on our screens once again when soon to be wed Kyle Kelly took his own life in the run up to his wedding. Don’t give up on people understanding
Tsays Hollyoaks star Joe Tracini. he soap looked at the contrasting world of fiction, was slightly daunting. In stories of two men with mid life depression. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said Hollyoaks’ writing truth though it became an incredibly empowering experience”. disorder, and suicidal thoughts and urges people in the same situation to keep talking. team wanted to highlight the differing ways More than ever I He tweeted: “My constant thoughts about in which depression can manifest itself, to show there was ‘no face to male suicide’. think we need to be self harm and suicide were as exhausting as they were relentless. Some days recently The aftermath of his loss is shown as Kyle’s friends and family come to terms with the news and the effects of the bereavement. highlighting just this sort of issue. have been exclusively me trying not to kill myself and I’m quite good at not killing myself.” Actor Adam Rickitt has revealed the plot forced him to revisit personal experiences. “I was excited to be able to portray such a dramatic journey, and proud that the team He praised the ‘sensitivity and heart’ that the writers put into the story. “At a time like now, more than ever, I think we need to be highlighting just this sort of issue.“ ‘Don’t feel hopeless if the first person you confide in can’t support you in the way you need. Don’t give up if the 10th person doesn’t get it either. I can just promise that there are people out there who will understand, even had entrusted me to do it. There was also KEEP TALKING SAYS JOE if they haven’t thought the same thoughts a sense of personal fear. Like all too many, I had to walk a similar path in my lifetime and the idea of revisiting that, even in the Another Hollyoaks star Joe Tracini has spoken on social media about his bipolar as you.” @joetracini
Got 10 minutes?
That may be all it takes to prevent someone taking their life.
Anew online training programme that takes ten minutes All the evidence shows that if you to complete is being offered by the Zero Suicide Alliance. talk to people in the right way, More than a million people have already taken the ZSA gateway training on its website – zerosuicidealliance.com empathetically and with interest about suicide, you decrease the chance of them attempting it.” It’s thought that after the pandemic there could be more people in mental health crisis and we’ll all need the skills to be able to talk openly with confidence and understanding of suicide. Save a Life Take the training: zerosuicidealliance.com/training
10 minutes to save a life
Joe Rafferty, chairman of the ZSA, said: “We probably won’t know the true impact of the last few weeks and months on society until it’s all over, but we do know that many more people are admitting to struggling with their mental health since the lockdown began.
“This shortened version of the training provides a great starting point to the skills required to help those who might be struggling.
I can just promise that there are people out there who will understand, even if they haven’t thought the same thoughts as you.
Hollyoaks actor Joe Tracini
NEED HELP?
If you are in crisis or have thoughts about harming yourself or someone else call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency department. If it’s not an emergency but you are feeling unwell and want advice and support, get in touch with your GP, who will talk it through with you and may refer you to someone else who can give you specialist help. Samaritans are available around the clock to help anyone. Freephone: 116 123 Website: samaritans.org
The Zero Suicide Alliance is a coalition of like minded partners determined to work together and share best practice to help rid the UK of suicide. Find out more by visiting:
