Talking can help you literally save a life

The presenter highlighted how simply talking can be the first step on the road to helping someone.

- By Richard Elias

Ms Irons said: “It’s been seven years since Wayne died by suicide.

“Yes, it still feels raw but I’ve wanted to find a way that I could contribute to suicide prevention in Scotland.”

She went on: “Being part of the ‘What if? podcast has given me an opportunity to talk to some incredible people, including many like myself who have lost a loved one.

“There were tears but also lots of smiles, too.

“Suicide might feel like the hardest thing in the world to talk about but we hope people will see it’s a good thing to talk about.”

Ms Lyons continued: “Research clearly shows that you will not cause someone harm by asking if they are thinking about suicide.

“On the contrary, asking the question may be the vital intervention someone needs. You can, quite literally, save a life.”