Survivors speak of dark days after thousands in the North East die from suicide

That is the message from a suicide survivor as tragic figures emerge showing thousands of people across the North East took their own lives in less than a decade, most of them men.

As The Northern Echo today reveals the devastating impact of suicide across our region, survivors are calling for more to be done to step in and save lives.

Read more: 'My cat saved my life': North East suicide survivor speaks out for the first time

Teessiders Joel Young and Jessica Kirton are among those who have felt like they have nowhere to turn, who were moments from being counted among the region’s sobering statistics.

They are calling on people across the North East to spot the signs of suicidal thoughts in their loved ones, on the Government to do more to support mental health services.

And they’re calling on those who find themselves in their darkest moment to look toward the light, to find support, sometimes where they would least expect to.

A huge problem

During the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, suicide rates in the North East leapt from a record low to a record high, with over 600 deaths registered since the beginning of 2020.

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Those 490 men and 142 women are among more than 2,500 people to have taken their own lives in the region since comparable records began in 2013.

More than three-quarters of those whose deaths were registered in that time were men, according to Echo analysis of the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.

Middlesbrough man Mr Young, 45, would have been among them had it not been for his cat, Archie, whom he credits with saving his life.

Joel Young, 45, and his life-saving cat, Archie, 7.

Following a mental health crisis, he decided to end his life by taking an overdose – it was only when Archie began knocking pills off the table that he had a moment of clarity and changed his mind.

Stockton 26-year-old Jessica Kirton, tortured with health anxiety following a traumatic birth, had penned heartfelt farewell letters to her child and parents before realising her son would be left without his mother.

Read more: Call for action on suicide in County Durham

Both now want to urge others to seek help before it’s too late, and to encourage people to be there for their own loved ones.

“Being suicidal is scary, it’s really hard when it’s a struggle to live each day,” says Ms Kirton, who was just 18 the first time she tried to take her life.

Jessica Kirton, 26, says suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem

“Not many understand how it feels not to be able to get out of bed, when your emotions feel blank and people are telling you to get over it and get on.”

“But I always tell myself the feeling of suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

“You can overcome it with the right support and help around you.”

Mr Young is urging people to keep trying to connect with loved ones who may be fighting a battle nobody else knows about.

“Young people, men I went to school with, lads in their 20s are killing themselves.

“You never know what’s going on in someone else’s life.

“If you ask your friend if they’re alright and you’re not convinced they are, take them for a coffee, ask again – look out for your mates, a problem shared is a problem halved.

“I want everyone to know there is support out there, sometimes in the most unexpected of places.

“I know, I’ve been there.”

Mr Young added: “I think there’s a real issue with men especially having the mental language to describe what they’re going through without feeling embarrassed or ashamed – I didn’t want to be a burden to my mates.

“But it’s about knowing what a safe space is, who you can talk to – your friends would rather be with you when you’re having a scary time than go to your funeral.

“There’s always someone who will care, even if it’s a stranger.

“If you get one moment of clarity, use it to find them.”

If you are in need of support you can contact the following:

- Samaritans are available, day or night, 365 days of the year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

- If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258

- SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58

- Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust crisis line 0800 0516 171.

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