Speaking of Suicide

Speaking of Suicide is a series of frank, thought provoking and tough conversations about men and mental health.  Made in support of and in collaboration with the Highland based charity Mikeysline, as well as hearing from people who have either suffered from mental health problems themselves or have lost someone to suicide, Shona Macpherson from Mikeysline provides insight and ideas for how to recognise if you’re vulnerable and what to do if you’re struggling. Speaking of Suicide is an Adventurous Audio production made thanks to the support of D&D Paving Ltd. The music throughout the series is ‘Nana’ by Tom Ireland

In this episode Pennie talks to Ron Williamson, founder of Mikeysline.  Ron talks about his shock when his nephew, Michael, took his own life and the conversations he found himself having with Michael’s friends at the funeral, a number of whom had also contemplated suicide.  Ron then set up Mikeysline with the view that men in the Highlands needed an alternative, somewhere they could talk to like minded people and, most importantly, somewhere they’d be able to safely talk through messages and texts, rather than face to face or over the phone. If you need someone to talk to, you can text Mikeysline on 07786 20 77 55 or contact via messenger, webchat or twitter.  Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Or come and visit at The Hive, 19 Academy Street, Inverness, Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Speaking of Suicide is made thanks to the support of D&D Paving Ltd. The music is by Tom Ireland with special thanks to Dave Martin

One of the world’s strongest men, Luke Stoltman, pays as much time working on his mental fitness as he does on his physical strength.  Losing his mum to cancer taught him all about the importance of talking and sharing, opening up about your feelings and emotions.  He now gets up at sunrise every day and swims in the sea to help him keep mentally healthy, he also dedicates a lot of his time to helping others stay mentally fit and well.  Luke’s a Highland giant with extraordinary warmth and compassion who’s not afraid to admit that when he first when to see a therapist he was terrified.  An utterly engaging and inspirational man. If you need someone to talk to, you can text Mikeysline on 07786 20 77 55 or contact via messenger, webchat or twitter.  Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Or come and visit at The Hive, 19 Academy Street, Inverness, Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Speaking of Suicide is made thanks to the support of D&D Paving Ltd. The music is by Tom Ireland with special thanks to Dave Martin

Simon Greaves is a Mountain Guide in the Cairngorms but for many years he worked as a manager in education.  Ironically, although his role as a senior manager involved supporting stressed and exhausted staff who were struggling with mental health, he found it incredibly difficult to speak up about his own mental health problems.  For 2 years he contemplated ending his life before everything came to a crisis point but, thankfully, instead of turning to suicide he turned to a very receptive and good GP.  It was a moment that turned Simon’s life around. If you need someone to talk to, you can text Mikeysline on 07786 20 77 55 or contact via messenger, webchat or twitter.  Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Or come and visit at The Hive, 19 Academy Street, Inverness, Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Speaking of Suicide is made thanks to the support of D&D Paving Ltd. The music is by Tom Ireland with special thanks to Dave Martin

In this heartbreaking and breath takingly honest episode Patrick and Wendy talk about losing their son, James, to suicide.  They talk about the moment when Patrick found James and the devastating consequences of his death for the whole family, including his partner and their 3 young children.  Since losing their son, Patrick and Wendy have found solace in offering support to other people bereaved through suicide or struggling with their mental health through the James Support Group As Patrick tells Pennie “suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem for the person who takes their own life, it’s a permanent problem for everyone who’s left behind”.  If you need someone to talk to, you can text Mikeysline on 07786 20 77 55 or contact via messenger, webchat or twitter.  Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Or come and visit at The Hive, 19 Academy Street, Inverness, Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Speaking of Suicide is made thanks to the support of D&D Paving Ltd. The music is by Tom Ireland with special thanks to Dave Martin

In this hugely courageous and touching conversation Mark talks to Pennie about how childhood trauma has left him battling with anxiety long into adulthood.  He shares how it got so bad that he contemplated suicide and took himself off to Glasgow with the intention of taking his life.  Since then Mark has worked hard to turn around his life, he’s found daily cold water swimming in the Cairngorms as a way of dealing with life’s stresses but he also devotes a great amount of his time to helping youngsters who are struggling. If you need someone to talk to, you can text Mikeysline on 07786 20 77 55 or contact via messenger, webchat or twitter.  Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Or come and visit at The Hive, 19 Academy Street, Inverness, Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Speaking of Suicide is made thanks to the support of D&D Paving Ltd. The music is by Tom Ireland with special thanks to Dave Martin.

In this episode of Speaking of Suicide, sponsored by Williamson Foodservice, Pennie talks to her good friend Joe.  They’ve been friends for a number of years and have shared a lot of laughs and conversations, but it wasn’t until recently that Joe admitted he’d contemplated suicide.  In this compelling and hugely thought-provoking conversation Joe talks openly and honestly about the events leading up to his thinking that suicide was his only way out.  It’s a story of the pressures that come from being in business for yourself, the stress of feeling you need to support the family and live up to your own expectations of what you should achieve in life.   Joe thought he wouldn’t qualify for the podcast because he never attempted to take his own life, on the contrary we think that makes his story all the more important because he can share how he managed to turn back from years of stress and pressure and depression to build the life he has now – a life where he’s happy and fulfilled and knows that suicide would never have been the best option.  This is breathtakingly honest and a riveting listen for anyone who ever struggles with the day to day pressures of life.

It's less than a year since Annette’s partner, Bob, completed suicide.  Even though its still so recent and raw Annette felt really strongly that she wanted to talk about the events leading up to Bob’s death and just what the experience and aftermath of suicide feels like when you’re the one left behind.  Even though Bob had a long history of mental health challenges and was seeking support and help, Annette never believed he’d take his life.  In this deeply moving, utterly honest and open account of what happened, Annette talks to Pennie about the harsh reality of life after losing a loved one to suicide. If you need someone to talk to, you can text Mikeysline on 07786 20 77 55 or contact via messenger, webchat or twitter.  Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Or come and visit at The Hive, 19 Academy Street, Inverness, Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Speaking of Suicide is made thanks to the support of D&D Paving Ltd. The music is by Tom Ireland with special thanks to Dave Martin

In this episode of Speaking of Suicide, we're bringing you an episode of the OnFARM podcast. The news in February that East Lothian farmer Grant Brand had taken his own life left many in Scottish farming shocked and upset – and, of course, sending heartfelt good wishes to Grant’s family. This episode pays tribute to Grant, hearing memories and thoughts from his brother Jamie Brand. We also hear how Grant’s death prompted OnFARM's Monty and his friend Scott Brown to create the ‘We All Need a Farmer’ short film, that has now been shared hundreds of times on social media. If you need someone to talk to, you can text Mikeysline on 07786 20 77 55 or contact via messenger, webchat or twitter.  Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Or come and visit at The Hive, 19 Academy Street, Inverness, Sun-Thurs 6pm-10pm & Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm. Speaking of Suicide is made thanks to the support of D&D Paving Ltd. The music is by Tom Ireland with special thanks to Dave Martin

In this powerful and moving podcast Alice Hendy shares with Pennie Stuart how she still battles on a daily basis with the repercussions of losing her brother, Josh, to suicide just a year ago.  Alice admits it has been an emotional rollercoaster and at times she’s almost wanted to follow her brother, her loss has been so painful, but she’s turned her grief and desperate sadness into determination to help others.  Using her knowledge as an IT and cyber security expert Alice has developed a download, a practical and powerful intervention called ‘R;pple’ which steps in to offer advice and avenues of support if someone starts searching about suicide online.  You can download Alice’s R;pple tool for free at https://www.ripplesuicideprevention.com/ Connect with Alice: On LinkedIn On Twitter On Facebook On Instagram

Jordan was a son, a brother, a stepson, a stepbrother, a loving boyfriend, a grandson, an uncle, a cousin and a best friend. He was tall and handsome and turned many a head, male and female. His friends both loved and envied him. At his funeral they described Jordan as; well-mannered, a great listener, kind and considerate, intelligent, cool but humble, ridiculously handsome, a true gentleman, humorous, “being a friend with him was never a chore”, “he was the person I would usually turn to at difficult times like this”, “he was the best and most loyal friend I ever had”, “He was remarkable in every sense”.    In this powerful and compelling listen Jordan’s father, Steve Phillip, talks to Pennie Stuart about his shock and pain at losing Jordan to suicide in December 2019 and how he is turning his grief into energy and to ploughing that energy into the Jordan Legacy which aims to find practical ways of making a real difference to people who are vulnerable to suicide.  https://thejordanlegacy.com/about-jordan/

Each day across the 12 Days of Christmas Counsellor Shona Macpherson is joining Pennie Stuart, in collaboration with Mikeysline, to share some mental health skills, practical tips you can try which might just help when you’re finding life a struggle.  Shona’s kicking off the series by suggesting we give ourselves permission to press the pause button more often, taking stock before we respond to the world around us, and explains some of the science behind why pressing the pause button can be really helpful. Hopefully you’ll find some of these ideas helpful but they’re not a substitute for professional help so if you’re struggling, please seek support. Always remember it's ok not to be ok and Mikeysline is available if you or someone you know needs help or advice you can text 07786 20 77 55, or contact them via messenger, webchat or twitter. Sun-Thurs 6pm - 10pm, Fri-Sat 7pm-7am. 

Each day across the 12 Days of Christmas Counsellor Shona Macpherson is joining Pennie Stuart, in collaboration with Mikeysline, to share some mental health skills, practical tips you can try which might just help when you’re finding life a struggle.  Today Shona explains the value of paying attention to the chatter going on in our minds and provides some tips on how we can eavesdrop on our thinking so we can better recognise and understand some of the thoughts spinning round our heads. Hopefully you’ll find some of these ideas helpful but they’re not a substitute for professional help so if you’re struggling, please seek support. Always remember it's ok not to be ok and Mikeysline is available if you or someone you know needs help or advice you can text 07786 20 77 55, or contact them via messenger, webchat or twitter. Sun-Thurs 6pm - 10pm, Fri-Sat 7pm-7am. 

Each day across the 12 Days of Christmas Counsellor Shona Macpherson is joining Pennie Stuart, in collaboration with Mikeysline, to share some mental health skills, practical tips you can try which might just help when you’re finding life a struggle.  We have thousands of thoughts each day, many of them the same ones and lots of them negative, so today Shona explains the value of learning how to unhook ourselves from unhelpful thoughts.  She talks Pennie through how to unhook herself from her concerns about the festive season and put her negative thoughts into a better place and take control over her thoughts rather than be controlled by them. Hopefully you’ll find some of these ideas helpful but they’re not a substitute for professional help so if you’re struggling, please seek support. Always remember its ok not to be ok and Mikeysline is available if you or someone you know needs help or advice you can text 07786 20 77 55, or contact them via messenger, webchat or twitter. Sun-Thurs 6pm - 10pm, Fri-Sat 7pm-7am. 

Each day across the 12 Days of Christmas Counsellor Shona Macpherson is joining Pennie Stuart, in collaboration with Mikeysline, to share some mental health skills, practical tips you can try which might just help when you’re finding life a struggle.  Today Shona continues her tips on how to tackle unhelpful thoughts by guiding Pennie through how to deal with a particularly painful thought – the idea that she thinks she might not be a good enough mum.  Using a simple technique Shona shows Pennie how to put the thought into a much better context and stop having the thought dominate so much. Hopefully you’ll find some of these ideas helpful but they’re not a substitute for professional help so if you’re struggling, please seek support. Always remember its ok not to be ok and Mikeysline is available if you or someone you know needs help or advice you can text 07786 20 77 55, or contact them via messenger, webchat or twitter. Sun-Thurs 6pm - 10pm, Fri-Sat 7pm-7am. 

Each day across the 12 Days of Christmas Counsellor Shona Macpherson is joining Pennie Stuart, in collaboration with Mikeysline, to share some mental health skills, practical tips you can try which might just help when you’re finding life a struggle.  Today Shona talks about our emotions, what they are, what their  purpose is and how we respond to them across our whole body.  She explains how emotions are calls to action but that we don’t always have to act on them.  She encourages us not to think about emotions as the bad guy and suggests we can change our relationship with them.  Hopefully you’ll find some of these ideas helpful but they’re not a substitute for professional help so if you’re struggling, please seek support. Always remember its ok not to be ok and Mikeysline is available if you or someone you know needs help or advice you can text 07786 20 77 55, or contact them via messenger, webchat or twitter. Sun-Thurs 6pm - 10pm, Fri-Sat 7pm-7am. 

Each day across the 12 Days of Christmas Counsellor Shona Macpherson is joining Pennie Stuart, in collaboration with Mikeysline, to share some mental health skills, practical tips you can try which might just help when you’re finding life a struggle.  Today Shona encourages Pennie to explore an emotion and takes her through an exercise which helps her to think about how a particular emotion feels in the body. Hopefully you’ll find some of these ideas helpful but they’re not a substitute for professional help so if you’re struggling, please seek support. Always remember its ok not to be ok and Mikeysline is available if you or someone you know needs help or advice you can text 07786 20 77 55, or contact them via messenger, webchat or twitter. Sun-Thurs 6pm - 10pm, Fri-Sat 7pm-7am. 

Each day across the 12 Days of Christmas Counsellor Shona Macpherson is joining Pennie Stuart, in collaboration with Mikeysline, to share some mental health skills, practical tips you can try which might just help when you’re finding life a struggle.  Today Shona talks us through the importance of self-compassion.  It’s not always easy to feel compassionate to ourselves so Shona shows us some ways to explore painful or difficult emotions and realise that we’re not alone in suffering them.  In this first part the aim is simply to recall a difficult situation and acknowledge that it hurts. Don’t forget to come back for part 2 in the next episode. Hopefully you’ll find some of these ideas helpful but they’re not a substitute for professional help so if you’re struggling, please seek support. Always remember its ok not to be ok and Mikeysline is available if you or someone you know needs help or advice you can text 07786 20 77 55, or contact them via messenger, webchat or twitter. Sun-Thurs 6pm - 10pm, Fri-Sat 7pm-7am. 

Each day across the 12 Days of Christmas Counsellor Shona Macpherson is joining Pennie Stuart, in collaboration with Mikeysline, to share some mental health skills, practical tips you can try which might just help when you’re finding life a struggle.  Having encouraged us to recall a difficult situation in the previous episode and acknowledge that it hurts, in this episode Shona talks us through how to think about being kinder to ourselves in response to emotional pain and practice the art of self-compassion.  She offers up some great tips on how to remember that we’re not alone in feeling emotional pain and then find a way to sooth ourselves. Hopefully you’ll find some of these ideas helpful but they’re not a substitute for professional help so if you’re struggling, please seek support. Always remember its ok not to be ok and Mikeysline is available if you or someone you know needs help or advice you can text 07786 20 77 55, or contact them via messenger, webchat or twitter. Sun-Thurs 6pm - 10pm, Fri-Sat 7pm-7am. 

Each day across the 12 Days of Christmas Counsellor Shona Macpherson is joining Pennie Stuart, in collaboration with Mikeysline, to share some mental health skills, practical tips you can try which might just help when you’re finding life a struggle.  When we’re in distress its really easy to be hooked by unhelpful thoughts, we’re often advised to be “in the present” but how do we do that in practice?  Today Shona talks Pennie through how to use her senses of sight to be in the moment. Hopefully you’ll find some of these ideas helpful but they’re not a substitute for professional help so if you’re struggling, please seek support. Always remember its ok not to be ok and Mikeysline is available if you or someone you know needs help or advice you can text 07786 20 77 55, or contact them via messenger, webchat or twitter. Sun-Thurs 6pm - 10pm, Fri-Sat 7pm-7am.