A Survivor Left Behind
We had the privilege of speaking with the Sven Boulton who has been providing ongoing insight and a friendly shoulder for those who have lost family to suicide. Find out more in this blog.
SUICIDEEPISODE
Despite #namhp podcasts recent inception, we have been very lucky to have some remarkable guests talking about important, emotional, and relatable topics that shed light on various important mental health issues.
In a recent episode of our show, we had the privilege of hosting Sven Boulton, a remarkable individual who shared his personal journey after his son's tragic decision to take his own life ('Sunshine' is the name Sven uses to describe his son) . Sven described this experience as an 'implosive explosion,' capturing the conflicting emotions and profound impact it had on his life. We wanted to talk a little bit about some key points behind the scenes, and pay tribute to The Red Lipstick Foundation, a group dedicated to assisting families affected by suicide.
Much like the courage and resilience shown by characters in Harry Potter and Star Wars, Sven's journey reflects the power of hope and the ability to find light even in the darkest of times.
Behind the Scenes
For those who want to explore Sven's personal reflections and experiences further, we highly recommend visiting his blog, "Implosive Explosion." Sven shares his thoughts, insights, and the ups and downs of his journey. You can find his blog at [Implosive Explosion – Ramblings, Musings, Questions, Memories and other assorted Therapies] and gain a deeper understanding of the impact of suicide on those it leaves behind.
Sven passionately believes that if his story reaches even one person contemplating self-harm or suicide and encourages them to reconsider, then it has achieved its purpose. His words remind us of the power of empathy, understanding, and open conversation in supporting those who are struggling.
One last thing Sven told us which we are adamant we will quote verbatim… "I am not sure if I said it enough, but my journey has not been a solo effort - I owe a lot to all the people around me during it, family, friends, everyone from Capella. They are the real heroes of the story, not me."
We highly recommend you read Sven's blog Implosive Explosion if you want to understand more about Sven's journey (although we probably would get the tissues ready...).
A quick reminder of some alarming statistics...
We spoke of some statistics in our previous blog Hike to Heal with Zoe Upson | not another mental health podcast (namhp.co.uk), but just delving into Sven's poignant tale, it is important to shed light a bit more light on the gravity of the issue…
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 700,000 lives are lost each year worldwide to suicide
In the UK alone, suicide is a leading cause of death, claiming more lives than road accidents or homicides.
In 2019, there were 5,691 registered suicides in the UK, equating to an average of 11.0 deaths per 100,000 population (source: Office for National Statistics, UK).
Resources for Mental Health Support:
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or contemplating self-harm, please remember that help is available. Here are some organizations and websites that provide support and guidance:
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) (www.thecalmzone.net)
Samaritans (www.samaritans.org)
In this episode, we also learnt about The Red Lipstick Foundation. Facing such immense loss can be an isolating experience, but The Red Lipstick Foundation aim to change that. This group of compassionate individuals offers support, advice, and a safe space for families who have lost a loved one to suicide. Their website [The Red Lipstick Foundation] provides resources, guidance, and opportunities for connection, fostering a community of healing and understanding.
Overall
We invite you to join us on this journey by watching the YouTube video below featuring Zoe Upson. Discover the inspiring story behind her dedication, the importance of raising awareness about male suicide, and the significant role getting active, and conversation plays in fostering positive mental well-being.
Together, let's support Zoe's mission and make a difference in the fight against suicide. Remember, one conversation, one step, one act of kindness can change a life. Also make sure you visit Zoe's Just Giving page if you want to donate to her cause: I'm fundraising for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - JustGiving