HELEN BIRCH - Finding My Way Back From My Partners Suicide.

The Joe Horton Show

Today I speak to a mum who was bereaved by their partners suicide and now campaigns for those suffering trauma following birth, is a specialist suicide intervention and prevention trainer along with being Co-Founder of The Paternal Mental Health Alliance – Helen Birch. With Suicide being the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 and men being three times more likely than women to take their own lives it's a big deal for all men. The highest risk age groups in the 45-49 year old age group usually consists of dads and the impact on those left behind to pick up the pieces is immense. In my conversation with Helen we discuss: The circumstances that let to her partner completing suicide. How she wasn't aware of the warning signs when she looks back The coping mechanisms that men rely upon in times of crisis that can worsen their mental health rather than improve it How we can prepare boys and young men to develop better more healthy coping mechanisms from an early age. The changes that need to happen on a societal and governmental level to effect real and lasting change for men going through mental health problems