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Suicide rates in England for 15-19 year olds are the highest they have been in 30 years.
The loss of any young person to suicide is utterly tragic and obviously devasting to their family, friends and community. 

In the latest episode of ' I Have Issues,' I discuss the issue of teenage suicide. 
I'm honoured to be joined by Ben West. 
In 2018, when Ben was 17, his younger brother Sam who was 15 died by suicide. 
Ben and I talk honestly and openly about Sam, his mental health and his death. Ben discusses the impact this had on him and his family and how he coped in the aftermath of such an incredible loss. 

Ben is one of the most engaged mental health campaigners in the UK, committed to making real change around mental health in our society. He campaigns endless, lobbying the government to create positive and meaning change around mental health policies and services. In 2022 Ben wrote his first book , "This Book Could Save Your Life - Breaking the Silence Around the Mental Health Emergency." 

This episode as ever has hope as it's focus, and Ben talks about his story as a means to provide support and hope to the listeners. 
I appreciate that talking about suicide in teenagers is a frightening topic for many, however it is for that very reason that we need to talk about it. 

I'm an adolescent and adult chartered psychologist for the past two decades. This is a completely free and independant podcast, non-sponsored and ad-free to support you with your mental health. Please support this podcast by sharing and rating it. We all have issues, so let's talk about them.