About
Adam's story includes discussion of suicide and supporting someone in crisis.
Adam shares his story of using what he learnt in the Zero Suicide Alliance training to support a stranger in suicidal crisis.
Adam's Story
"Ever since I first came across the Zero Suicide Alliance’s suicide prevention training through work, I’ve been a strong advocate of it, urging friends, colleagues and relatives to take the course. Like most people, I sat down for 20 minutes, absorbed the messages and then got on with my life.
That was over a year ago and I always meant to go back and refresh my memory about what to do if you came across someone in crisis. Of course, like all the best intentions, they get shelved while other activities take priority.
So, when I came across a teenager sat on the bridge over the River Severn on my way home from a night out with old friends in Worcester last summer, I was desperately searching my memory banks to remember what to do and, more specifically, how not to react.
I remembered enough to know I should be direct, non-judgemental and try and direct them towards help. After establishing they were in crisis, I suggested they talk to someone who could really help and rang the police, who picked them up moments later.
The moral of my little story is that as soon as I returned to work, I went through the training once again and have set up a reminder to do it again every six months. I didn’t think I’d ever need to know what to do in such a situation but my random situation proves it could happen to anyone."
Signpost to support
Samaritans
Call 116 123 to talk to a trained volunteer if you are struggling to cope with your mental health and need support.
